Tested Positive for COVID-19? Blood Bank of Alaska Needs Your Plasma

Infection rates for COVID-19 are at an all time high and growing in Alaska, and according to the Anchorage Office of Emergency Management, there’s “every indication of continued growth over the holidays.”

We can all help reduce the spread of COVID-19 by washing our hands regularly, social distancing whenever possible, and wearing a mask any time we’re in public; it’s also important that we all get tested if we have any symptoms of the virus or indication that we’ve been exposed.

But for those who have contracted the virus and recovered, there’s another way to help: “Blood Bank of Alaska is in urgent need of convalescent plasma donors to help patients who have been diagnosed with severe and life-threatening symptoms of Covid-19,” the Anchorage Office of Emergency Management states. “As infections rise, so too does the need for life saving convalescent plasma. If you, or someone you know has recently recovered from COVID-19, please ask them to contact Blood Bank of Alaska to donate plasma to help those in need.”

According to Blood Bank of Alaska, the COVID-19 pandemic is an “unprecedented situation” facing the community. All blood donations are needed and welcome (current critical needs are for Type O+,O-, and A+), but convalescent plasma is especially critical as cases of the virus increase.

Information about qualifying to be a convalescent plasma donor and the process to do so can be found at the Blood Bank of Alaska’s website.