San Diego Union-Tribune (Sunday)
More donors needed as demand for convalescent blood plasma rises
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San Diego Blood Bank, the community blood bank serving San Diego County, is strongly encouraging healthy members of the community to donate blood, and those who have recovered from COVID-19 to donate their plasma to help hospitalized patients in critical condition.
Coming out of the holiday season, blood banks across the country traditionally see a decrease in donations at this time. This year has been especially challenging with many mobile drives being canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Additionally, San Diego Blood Bank’s requests from hospital partners for COVID-19 convalescent plasma have more than tripled in the last month. Plasma donations from those who have recovered from COVID-19 are needed to help others who are currently fighting the virus. This is because their plasma has developed antibodies against a virus.
The San Diego Blook Bank was one of the first blood banks in the country to set up a COVID-19 convalescent plasma program to serve COVID-19 patients in critical condition.
“On top of local demand for blood and convalescent plasma, we are also being called upon to help supply national surge centers with plasma as there is a spike in usage across the country,” said Dr. David Wellis, San Diego Blood Bank CEO. “We need our community to come together and donate, and there’s no better time than the present.”
All blood donations are being tested for antibodies as part of blood bank’s standard testing panel in order to qualify donations for COVID-19 convalescent plasma. All blood donors receive a mini-health screening and can track their blood pressure, pulse, hemoglobin, temperature and cholesterol in their online personalized health portal.
The nonprofit San Diego Blood Bank serves hospitals in San Diego, Riverside, Orange and Los Angeles counties and is the primary supplier of blood to Rady Children’s Hospital.
Donations are needed immediately and can be made at any of the eight San Diego Blood Bank donation locations throughout San Diego. Appointments are required and are available by visiting sandiegobloodbank.org or by calling (619) 400-8251.