ARTICLE
Suncoast Blood Centers needs Convalescent Plasma to help treat COVID-19 patients CONTACT: Desirée Denmark-Conn COMMUNICATIONS ADMINISTRATIVE SPECIALIST Ddenmark-Conn@suncoastblood.org Charles Kaine DONOR GROUP REPRESENTATIVE ckaine@suncoastblood.org We are looking to partner with local medical and business professionals to assist us in recruiting plasma donors from their own employees that may have already been exposed to COVID-19, as well as those they care for who may have been exposed to the virus. Those who have had COVID-19 and have recovered from the infection may have the antibodies that can possibly shorten the duration of illness, reduce morbidity, or prevent death associated with COVID-19. In return for your help, we will promote your company as a “Plasma Partner” company via our social media and advertising efforts. This highlights your company as a community leader, concerned for the well being of its members as well as pointing out that your company is well and functioning in this crisis. What you can do to help: Help us identify potential plasma donors: If you currently test for COVID-19, at the time you administer the test , supply the patient with a HIPAA release form that will allow us to contact those testing positive to invite them to become donors. Host a plasma drive at your site: It is different from a blood drive in that all participating would be prescreened and scheduled by our plasma team. A bus would arrive just like a regular blood drive, but it would have the equipment onboard to complete plasma donations. You would let those know who meet the criteria that they can contact us to schedule an appointment. Let your friends, neighbors, and social media followers know we need all of them: Encourage those that you work with, those who work for you and the community you serve to spread the word far and wide to help recruit these special donors. To find out more about how they can help visit suncoastblood.org or call to schedule a COVID-19 convalescent plasma donation at 941-993-8119. As a community and business leader, your assistance is crucial in helping us maintain an adequate supply of lifesaving convalescent plasma. Please feel free to contact the COVID-19 convalescent plasma direct line at 941-993-8119 or email covid19@suncoastblood.org