In response to a dire need, SunCoast Blood Centers is calling on COVID-19 survivors to donate convalescent plasma to help treat life-threatening cases of the virus.
“We are facing a reality that demand is surpassing the supply,” said SunCoast Blood Centers CEO Scott Bush. “If you or someone you know tested positive for COVID-19 and has fully recovered from the illness, please contact SunCoast Blood Centers to schedule a convalescent plasma donation. Your plasma now contains antibodies to fight the virus and could possibly save the life of someone critically ill.”
College students returning home for the holidays from all over the country are especially encouraged to make this type of donation. SunCoast Blood Centers is offering students and all who have recovered from COVID-19 a $50 Amazon gift card for every successful convalescent plasma donation, which will go toward creating four doses of treatment for the local supply.
One out of five COVID-19 patients need convalescent plasma and the need is growing. Convalescent plasma aids in the recovery of the most critically ill patients. Individuals who recover from COVID-19 have developed antibodies to the virus that remain in the plasma portion of their blood. Transfusing the plasma that contains the antibodies into a person still fighting the virus can provide a boost to the patient’s immune system and potentially help them recover.
SunCoast Blood Centers is the only community nonprofit blood center that provides convalescent plasma for Sarasota Memorial Hospital, Manatee Memorial Hospital, Moffitt Cancer Center and eight other local hospitals at no cost. Potential convalescent plasma donors must schedule an appointment at 941-993-8119 or email covid19@suncoastblood.org.
About SunCoast Blood Centers
A registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, SunCoast Blood Centers has provided a reliable supply of safe blood products and services for the community since 1949. SunCoast is the exclusive supplier of blood products and services for Sarasota Memorial Healthcare System, Doctors Hospital of Sarasota, Manatee Memorial Hospital, Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, Complex Care Hospital of Ridgelake, Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Sarasota, North Port Emergency Room, Fawcett Memorial Hospital of Port Charlotte, Englewood Community Hospital and DeSoto Memorial Hospital. SunCoast also partners with Moffitt Cancer Center to provide blood products, including pathogen-reduced platelets. Recognized for its outstanding service, the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce honored SunCoast as the 2020 Nonprofit of the Year. SunCoast participates in cancer treatment programs, research and provides therapeutic services at the hospitals it serves. SunCoast has also instituted a new concierge program where donors can give blood in the comfort of their home. The concierge program is available in Charlotte, DeSoto, Sarasota, and Manatee counties. For donor locations and more information, visit www.suncoastblood.org or call 1-866-97-BLOOD.