There has been a sudden rise in hospitalizations due to COVID-19 infections, which has created a shortage of convalescent plasma used in the treatment of the virus. So, the Community Blood Center in Dayton is once again looking for donors to step up.
Mark Pompilio with the CBC in Dayton says, the on-hand supply of CCP - or convalescent plasma - has been depleted, and that’s creating a high demand for donors with B and AB blood types.
“We're using the terms critical and urgent so commonly now," he says. "It's become our daily dialog, and there's a danger in that fatigue. And we know that donors are hearing us, but are they able to respond? It’s a tough one."
Pompilio says the blood center has shipped more than 1,400 doses of convalescent plasma to hospitals in the region since Ohio’s collection program started in early April.
To donate, people must have tested positive for COVID-19 by RNA swab test, or tested positive for COVID-19 antibodies by a blood test, and must be completely recovered.
Go to www.givingblood.org to find our more about CCP donations and to register to donate, or call (937) 461-3220.
