CORONAVIRUS PLASMA SOUGHT

Community Blood Center of the Ozarks, the sole supplier of blood and plasma to patients at more than 40 area hospitals, is working with partner hospitals to identify candidates for the donation of covid-19 convalescent plasma (CCP). CBCO is asking area residents who have recovered from covid-19 to donate plasma which will be used to treat acute and active cases of the virus.

Since the need for this lifesaving treatment is starting to outpace the supply, a weekly drawing will take place that will award one convalescent plasma donor from the previous week a $500 gift card.

Convalescent plasma is the liquid part of blood that is collected from patients who have recovered from the novel coronavirus disease, covid-19. Recovered patients develop antibodies in their blood that work against the virus. Antibodies are proteins that might help fight the infection. To date, hundreds of plasma treatments have been administered in Ozarks area hospitals, with many positive reports of its effectiveness. Many more donations are needed to help build a reliable stockpile of CCP to help in the future.

If you have tested positive for covid-19, have a documented positive lab test and are 14 days symptom free, you may be eligible to participate in the CCP program. Potential CCP donors are asked to contact CBCO directly. Also, please note that blood donors must meet normal donation eligibility guidelines to participate in the program.

Information: (417) 2275301.