Hospital systems in urgent need to blood donations and convalescent plasma

As coronavirus cases surge the need for convalescent plasma is reaching extraordinary levels.

The surge in the number of people being diagnosed with coronavirus, coupled with the fact that hospitals are providing convalescent plasma earlier in treatment is driving demand for convalescent plasma to new heights.

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

Oneblood serves Bayfront Health, Lehigh Regional, and Physicians Regional in SWFL.

Click here to find a blood drive or Oneblood donor center near you.

LEE COUNTY

Lee Health continues to be in urgent need of blood donations to replenish low supply levels, and they’ve scheduled several drives for the month of January.

The coronavirus pandemic has led to many canceled blood drives and the depletion of the health system’s supply. Type O+ remains critically low, and supply levels for all other blood types are also below normal.

“We are in critical need of donations as blood inventories are at some of their lowest levels since the start of the pandemic,” said Jeremy Puckett, Blood Center supervisor at Lee Health. “Maintaining a constant blood supply ensures optimal treatment for all children and adult patients who need it.”

• 1/19/21 – Kiwanis Club of Cape Coral, 360 Santa Barbara Blvd., Cape Coral, 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
• 1/26/21 – Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce, 2310 Edwards Dr., Fort Myers, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

The blood used for patient care has to be continuously replenished to maintain a constant blood supply.

For more information on how and where to donate, click here.

For questions or to schedule a visit at a Lee Health Blood Donation Center, call 239-343-2333.

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COLLIER COUNTY

“Community Blood Center, an affiliate of the NCH Healthcare System, supplies hospitals in Collier County with life-saving blood products. When a donor gives the gift of life at the Community Blood Center location in Naples or on the blue and white Community Blood Center bloodmobiles, he or she is helping to ensure adequate levels of blood products are available in area hospitals and ready for local patients, friends or family who suddenly need them. It is estimated that nine out of ten people who live to age 70 will require a blood transfusion.”

COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma Donors Urgently Needed

Potential candidates must:

• Have had a positive COVID-19 swab or antibody test on record & be able to produce a written copy.
• Be fully recovered & symptom-free of COVID-19 for at least 14 days.
• Meet all regular blood donor criteria & some specific laboratory criteria.

To donate whole blood convalescent plasma: You must bring & submit a copy of a documented positive COVID-19 lab or antibody test to the bloodmobile or fixed site center location & tell blood center staff when you arrive that you are a recovered COVID patient. The process of donating whole blood convalescent plasma is easy & much like giving a regular pint of blood.

LINK: NCH Community blood donations