(KNSI) – The Red Cross and the NFL are teaming up to collect plasma to help COVID-19 patients in exchange for a chance to win tickets to next year’s Super Bowl.
St. Cloud Red Cross Executive Director Linda Blackmore says the need for convalescent plasma has exploded due to COVID, especially from patients who have recovered from the disease.
“Basically those who have recovered may have antibodies in their plasma that could help another patient, especially those who have recovered from COVID-19. And that’s what we’re looking for right now, along with our whole blood that we do every day anyway.”
Plasma is the clear liquid portion of blood and remains after red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and other cellular components are left behind, and is the largest component of human blood.
Blackmore says while blood can only be donated every 56 days, plasma can be donated several times per year.
“What all depends on what your time commitment is and how healthy you are, what fits best for you. The best thing to do is just come on in and go through the process of filling out an eligibility form. You have to have been healthy for at least 14 days and we have a website that you go on to answer all the questions. It’s very seamless and easy to do.”
To be entered for the tickets, anyone who donates plasma, blood or platelets must do so before January 31st.
Learn more and find the number to call to make a donation by clicking here.
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