Red Cross seeks donations from recovered COVID-19 patients amid emergency plasma shortage

WISCONSIN (CBS 58) -- The American Red Cross is experiencing an emergency shortage of plasma as the number of coronavirus cases increases across the U.S.

According to a press release, demand has more than doubled over the last month, and plasma products are being distributed faster than donations are coming in.

Individuals who have received a verified COVID-19 diagnosis and fully recovered are urged to sign up to give plasma by completing a donor eligibility form at RedCrossBlood.org/plasma4covid. 

"Convalescent plasma is plasma that is collected from patients who have recovered from an infection and have antibodies that might help fight that infection," the release says. "In this case, those who have fully recovered from COVID-19. With each donation, COVID-19 survivors have a unique ability to help up to three patients recover from the virus."

Red Cross says blood donors are also needed.

Donation appointments can be made by downloading the free Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, or calling 1-800-Red Cross.

As a thank-you, those who donate Aug. 1-Sept. 3 will receive a $5 Amazon.com gift card via email.

Donors are required to wear a face mask, and those who do not feel well should postpone their donation.

A list of upcoming blood donation opportunities can be found below: