Red Cross Says There's a Shortage of Convalescent Plasma in Nebraska, Nationwide

Aug. 5, 2020, 2:30 p.m. ·

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The American Red Cross in Nebraska says there’s a national shortage of convalescent blood plasma and is encouraging people who have fully recovered from COVID-19 to donate theirs to help others who are currently sick. Convalescent plasma contains antibodies that can resist the coronavirus and has been shown to be effective in helping COVID-19 patients recover.

“In order to eligible to do this, you have to be 17-years-old, you have to weigh at least 110 pounds, you have to be currently healthy and generally feeling well and most importantly, you have to have recovered form a confirmed case of COVID-19 and you have to have been symptom-free for 14 days,” Weysen Dun with the Nebraska American Red Cross said.

One convalescent plasma donation can potentially help three COVID-19 patients. Red Cross locations in Omaha, Grand Island and North Platte are collecting the plasma, but you have to have an appointment to donate.