Giving Back to Our Community

This is the season of giving, and many of us have an opportunity to personally give back to those recovering from COVID-19. Blood donations have plummeted during the pandemic, and the Arkansas Blood Institute (ABI) is in desperate need of donations, especially convalescent plasma to save the lives of those in critical condition due to COVID-19.

If you've tested positive for COVID-19, your blood contains convalescent plasma, which carries antibodies for the virus. A single donation can provide potentially lifesaving plasma for up to four patients fighting the virus. When I learned over the summer that I had the COVID-19 antibodies, I signed up to donate my plasma to help others during the pandemic. It's a simple, quick process that could save lives of others in your community.

Even if you haven't had COVID-19, I'd still encouraged you to donate blood, as every donation is potentially lifesaving. Thankfully, COVID-19 is not a blood-borne disease and you are unlikely to contract the virus from giving blood if you follow appropriate personal hygiene guidelines such as wearing a face covering, frequently washing your hands and maintaining social distancing when possible. To donate plasma through the ABI, visit their website or call (888) 308-3924. To find a blood drive near you, please visit the AABB or Red Cross's website, or call (800) RED-CROSS. If you cannot donate now, please consider donating in the future and encouraging those in your community to donate. The vaccine for COVID-19 is right around the corner, but until it's widely available, everyone will need to continue doing their part to care for the most vulnerable among us.