From the American Red Cross:
Right now, the American Red Cross has an emergency shortage of convalescent plasma, a potentially lifesaving treatment for patients with COVID-19. The Red Cross has seen demand for convalescent plasma more than double over the last month as the number of coronavirus cases increases across the U.S. Convalescent plasma products are now being distributed faster than donations are coming in.
Individuals who have fully recovered and received a verified COVID-19 diagnosis are urged to sign up to give convalescent plasma now by completing the donor eligibility form at RedCrossBlood.org/plasma4covid.
Convalescent plasma is plasma that is collected from patients who have recovered from an infection and have antibodies that might help fight that infection in this case, those who have fully recovered from COVID-19. With each donation, COVID-19 survivors have a unique ability to help up to three patients recover from the virus.
Donation appointments can be made for the coming days and weeks by downloading the free Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-733-2767 or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.
As a thank-you for helping ensure a stable blood supply, those who come to give blood, platelets or plasma, including convalescent plasma, Aug. 1-Sept. 3 will receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card via email, courtesy of Amazon. Plus, come to give by Aug. 31 and automatically be entered for a chance to win a trip for four to Cedar Point or Knott's Berry Farm, redeemable through the 2021 season!
To protect the health and safety of Red Cross staff and donors, individuals who do not feel well or who believe they may be ill with COVID-19 should postpone their donation.
Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions including temperature checks, social distancing and face coverings for donors and staff have been implemented to help protect the health of all those in attendance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive and are required to wear a face covering or mask while at the drive, in alignment with the CDCs public guidance.
Upcoming chances to donate in the area include:
Fulton
Aug. 8: 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Callaway Electric Cooperative, 1313 Cooperative Drive
Aug. 10: 2 p.m.-6 p.m., 6841 State Road Z
Columbia
Aug. 3: 11:45 a.m.-6:15 p.m., Columbia Blood Donation Center, 1511 S. Providence Rd.
Aug. 4: 7:45 a.m.-2:15 p.m., Columbia Blood Donation Center, 1511 S. Providence Rd.
Aug. 5: 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Mizzou North, 115 Business Loop 70 West
Aug. 5: 11:45 a.m.-6:15 p.m., Columbia Blood Donation Center, 1511 S. Providence Rd.
Aug. 6: 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Woodcrest, 2201 W. Nifong
Aug. 6: 11:45 a.m.-5:15 p.m., Columbia Blood Donation Center, 1511 S. Providence Rd.
Aug. 7: 7:45 a.m.-2:15 p.m., Columbia Blood Donation Center, 1511 S. Providence Rd.
Aug. 7: 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Columbia Mall, 2300 Bernadette Dr
Aug. 8: 7:45 a.m.-2:15 p.m., Columbia Blood Donation Center, 1511 S. Providence Rd.
Jefferson City
Aug. 3: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Capital West Christian Church, 1315 Fairgrounds Road
Aug. 3: 12:15 p.m.-6:15 p.m., Jefferson City Blood Donation Center, 3230 Emerald Lane
Aug. 4: 8:15 a.m.-2:15 p.m., Jefferson City Blood Donation Center, 3230 Emerald Lane
Aug. 5: 11:45 a.m.-6:15 p.m., Jefferson City Blood Donation Center, 3230 Emerald Lane
Aug. 6: 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Division of Professional Registration, 3605 Missouri Blvd.
Aug. 6: 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Jefferson City Blood Donation Center, 3230 Emerald Lane
Aug. 7: 7:45 a.m.-2:15 p.m., Jefferson City Blood Donation Center, 3230 Emerald Lane
Aug. 8: 8:15 a.m.-2:15 p.m., Jefferson City Blood Donation Center, 3230 Emerald Lane