Mercy Health has joined the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) national Expanded Access Program (EAP) for Convalescent Plasma as a way to treat COVID-19. We are actively seeking individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 and have been symptom free for 14 days or longer to donate their blood. Blood from recovered COVID-19 patients may contain lifesaving convalescent plasma that can be administered to current COVID-19 patients.
Are you Eligible to donate Convalescent Plasma?
Have you tested positive for COVID-19, recovered, and been without symptoms for 14 days or longer? If so, you can help save lives for those at highest risk for severe symptoms from COVID-19.
Where You Can Donate – Find a Location Near You
Here is a list of donation sites. Please select the closest location near you.
Cincinnati, Ohio – Hoxworth
Lima, Ohio – American Red Cross
Lorain, Ohio – American Red Cross
Paducah, Kentucky – American Red Cross
Springfield, Ohio – Community Blood Center
Toledo, Ohio – American Red Cross
Youngstown, Ohio – American Red Cross
“We have established a network of participating blood suppliers that will work at the local level to supply hospitals with convalescent plasma,” says Justin McGoldrick, M.D., chief clinical research and innovation officer at Bon Secours Mercy Health. “The key to the success of this program is the donor population.”
Other Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any questions about donating convalescent plasma, please visit the Convalescent Plasma COVID-19 Treatment website or reference the answers below.
Q: What is convalescent plasma?
A: People who have recovered from COVID-19 carry antibodies for the virus in their blood. Plasma is the yellowish liquid part of blood that carries these antibodies.
Before donated blood can be used, it is tested for safety. From there, it goes through a process to separate the blood cells so that all that is left is the plasma with the antibodies.
Q: Who is eligible to receive convalescent plasma?
A: Patients with COVID-19 who are at high risk to progress to a severe or life-threatening stage of the disease can receive this plasma.
Q: How does convalescent plasma help patients?
A: There is preliminary clinical evidence that suggests that convalescent plasma might provide benefit to individuals with COVID-19. Convalescent plasma has been safely collected and used at various times over the past century to treat polio, measles, hepatitis B, influenza, Ebola and other illnesses.
Q: Can I direct my plasma donation to a person of my choosing?
A: At this time, directed donations are not permitted. This ensures compatibility with blood type and the requirement to adhere to strict guidelines for participating in this treatment program.
Stay updated on what Mercy Health is doing related to COVID-19.
