FRANKLIN, Tenn. (WTVF) — Williamson Medical Center (WMC) like many hospitals across the nation is experiencing a blood shortage amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
WMC and Blood Assurance, the sole provider of blood products to WMC, are urging all eligible donors to donate blood or convalescent plasma to help area patients.
The need for plasma from recovered COVID-19 donors is also rising as COVID-19 hospitalizations are increasing.
“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, our team has worked tirelessly to care for our patients through illness or injury,” said Andy Russell, M.D., WMC Chief Medical Officer in a press release. “We’re calling on our community members now to help aid in these efforts. We are in dire need of general blood donations, as well as blood plasma donations from recovered COVID-19 patients, as both supply levels are critically low. If you’ve considered donating, please make an appointment.”
The release explained that traditionally when Blood Assurance experiences a shortage, they are able to call on other blood centers for help. However, all blood centers are experiencing shortages. COVID-19 convalescent plasma is an FDA investigational treatment where plasma is transfused from a recovered COVID-19 donor into a critically ill patient. Plasma from recovered individuals contains antibodies that attack the virus.
Click here to see if you meet the requirements to be a convalescent plasma donor.
