Blood Services seeks convalescent plasma donors, save a life

Patients that have recovered from a COVID-19 infection may be able to help treat others and ease the pain of a neighbor in their fight with the disease by generously donating their plasma.

The Community Blood Services of Illinois, which is the provider of COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma to hospitals in Champaign County and the surrounding region, collects plasma from county residents who have fully recovered from a COVID-19 infection. Plasma from recovered citizens contain antibodies from the virus that can be transfused to patients who are currently hospitalized with the Coronavirus.

Donations must be scheduled at least 28 days after the last date the donor experienced symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough, fatigue, or body ache), but interested donars can start the process by speaking with the Blood Center about their eligibility at anytime. Potential donors can complete the Blood Center’s online referral form or call (833) 610-1025. .

According to the blood center website, locally and nationally, there is only a two to three day supply of type O red blood cells as well as a supply of AB plasma and Convalescent Plasma.

"We are calling for all healthy members of the public to step up and support care for patients. Blood donation is safe and essential!" says a message on their website today. "Recent changes to donor eligibility criteria will permit donations by many donors previously deferred."

For more information, see www.bloodcenter.org/cp.

Blood drive to be held at local church on Tuesday

There will be a blood drive this Tuesday, March 10, at the St. Joseph Church of Christ.

Donating blood is safe, quick, and can provide the gift of life. According to the American Red Cross, one donation can save up to three lives.

Walk-ins are welcomed at this Tuesday's drive and donors are encouraged make appointments online on the Mobile Blood Drive Schedule for priority service. Appointments can also be schedule via phone at (217) 367-2202.

At the time of this article, 16 time slots remain available for donations this week.

Sponsored by the Community Blood Services of Illinois, donations will be accepted from 4:30pm until 7pm. CBSI is the exclusive provider to Carle Foundation Hospital and OSF Heart of Mary Medical Center.

CBSI asks that you consume a meal prior to your donation and provide recent photo identification to verify their identity.

For more information contact the Primary Blood Drive Coordinator Talen Hawkin at (815)883-1966.

The St. Joseph Church of Christ is located at 226 East Sherman.