Defense Department Urging Its Members Recovered From COVID-19 To Donate Plasma And Help Save Lives

In the fight against COVID-19, the Department of Defense is asking members of the military community who have recovered from the virus to consider rolling up their sleeves and becoming a coronavirus convalescent plasma donor.

The plasma collected through the department’s COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma Program will be used to treat critically ill patients, support the development of an effective treatment against the disease, and maintain mission readiness.

When a person contracts SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, their immune system creates antibodies to fight the virus. These antibodies are found in the plasma, the liquid part of the blood. According to the Food and Drug Administration, convalescent plasma transferred to a patient still suffering from the disease could help speed the recovery process.

Eligible donors must: Be at least 17 years old, Weigh more than 110 pounds, and Be symptom free for 14 days.

Eligible donors who have recovered from the virus should go to www.militarydonor.com and search code Stewart to make an appointment. These facilities are also seeking whole blood donations. These donations will be screened for COVID-19 antibodies, and if found, the donor will be contacted. Donors with COVID-19 antibodies may also be contacted to volunteer for further convalescent plasma donations. For more information, visit www.health.mil/Convalescent- Plasma.

Because of normal base access requirements, only those with normal access to military facilities are eligible for this program. Eligible donor groups include Active Duty Service members, their family members, military retirees, and civil service employees.

Donations are being accepted at all Armed Services Blood Program centers across the continental United States, and in Hawaii, Guam and Germany. The department’s goal is to collect 10,000 units of plasma by September 30, 2020.

For more information: health.mil/ConvalescentPlasma or Militaryblood. dod.mil. Facebook: militaryblood, Twitter: @ militaryblood

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