Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital issued the following announcement on Jan. 9.
Now there is a way for those who have been infected with and survived COVID-19 to help others who are hospitalized and fighting for their lives.
The Central Illinois Community Blood Center coordinates plasma donations and offers a self-referral for potential donors to be considered. They can also be reached via phone at 833-610-1025.
“The supply of convalescent plasma, which is used to treat COVID-19 positive patients, is dwindling while the need continues to grow,” said Marsha Prater, PhD, RN, chief nursing officer at Memorial Health System. “We continue to work with the Blood Center to make the process as easy as possible to get potential donors connected to their screeners.”
Hayley Lane, a nursing student at Methodist College of Nursing, works part-time for Memorial Medical Center as a unit secretary on 2E Oncology. She was home recovering from a mild case of COVID-19, read an online article about the importance of convalescent plasma and decided to donate.
“The donation process was simple and easy,” she said. “The blood center staff was ready for me when I arrived. Everyone was wearing masks and donors were spaced apart for social distancing. One quick needle stick was the only discomfort. After that, I relaxed and read a book until I finished.”
The process takes about an hour, and Hayley is already scheduled to give again.
“My hope for 2021 is that a majority of people will be vaccinated for the virus,” she said. “I also hope that by next year, we will celebrate the holidays together with friends and family like usual.”
Want to find out if you are eligible to donate plasma? Call the Blood Center at 833-610-1025.
Original source can be found here.
Source: Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital
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