On Friday, Governor Henry McMaster and First Lady Peggy McMaster donated convalescent plasma with the American Red Cross of South Carolina after recovering from their COVID-19 diagnosis in December, last year.

As the U.S. continues to see new cases of coronavirus each day, the need for convalescent plasma to help patients battling the virus is also increasing. Presently, there is a national shortage of this potentially lifesaving blood product. Convalescent plasma has COVID-19 antibodies that can attack the virus and is being used to treat those currently ill with COVID-19. In Columbia, the Red Cross has been able to collect more than 990 units of convalescent plasma. Across the state, more than 2,600 units of this potentially life-saving product has been collected.

However, more donors are needed to give as soon as possible to end the shortage and help those currently battling this virus. The Red Cross urges eligible individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 to sign up to give now to help current COVID-19 patients.

South Carolina’s Governor and First Lady answered that call on Friday at the South Carolina Red Cross donation center in Columbia. The Governor and the First Lady both tested positive for COVID-19 back in December 2020. Both have recovered and have been symptom free for at least 14 days.

“I have had the opportunity to learn a lot about convalescent plasma over the past few months and the important role it plays in helping patients currently battling COVID-19,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “As a community, we must always look for ways to help each other. I am happy to be able to donate with the American Red Cross and I strongly encourage others who are eligible to consider doing so.”

“As our communities continue to deal with COVID-19, the Governor and I wanted to do our part to help those patients with COVID-19. We are asking everyone who can, to consider donating with the American Red Cross,” said First Lady Peggy McMaster. “As a proud board member of the Red Cross of South Carolina, we know the work being done is critically important.”

“We are so grateful to our donors who have generously rolled-up their sleeves to help patients throughout this pandemic,” said Rod Tolbert, the Regional CEO of the American Red Cross of South Carolina. “We are asking our communities to remain committed and consider donating convalescent plasma if you are eligible. Your convalescent plasma donation could help as many as four patients in need.”

HOW YOU CAN HELP There are two ways COVID-19 survivors can help – through a convalescent plasma donation or by simply giving blood. Plasma from whole blood donations that test positive for COVID-19 antibodies may be used to help COVID-19 patients. The Red Cross is collecting convalescent plasma at more than 170 locations across the country.

The Red Cross is also antibody testing all blood donations collected at blood drives– making every blood or convalescent plasma donation an opportunity to help COVID-19 patients. Currently, whole blood donors with COVID-19 antibodies are helping to contribute hundreds of units of convalescent plasma each week to help meet patient needs.

Eligible convalescent plasma donors can give with the Red Cross every seven days for up to three months. To be eligible to give convalescent plasma an individual must be:

• In good health and generally feel well.Have a prior, verified diagnosis of COVID-19, but are now symptom-fre
• Be and fully recovered from COVID-19.
• At least 14 days from last date of symptoms.

In order to donate convalescent plasma, individuals must meet all regular blood donation requirements plus some additional criteria. Additionally, the Red Cross asks individuals who have fully recovered from COVID-19 and want to help first complete the Donor Request form on our website. If they are eligible to give, a Red Cross representative will contact them to schedule a donation appointment at a Red Cross or another blood collection organization facility near them.

DIDN’T HAVE COVID-19 BUT STILL WANT TO HELP?

Due to the pandemic thousands of Red Cross blood drives have been canceled as community organizations and businesses restrict access to many locations. The Red Cross is urging individuals to give blood and to help tackle the national convalescent plasma shortage.

Donation appointments can be made for the coming days and weeks by downloading the free Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

Blood donation safety precautions

To protect the health and safety of Red Cross staff and donors, individuals who do not feel well or who believe they may be ill with COVID-19 should postpone their donation. 

Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including temperature checks, social distancing and face coverings for donors and staff – have been implemented to help protect the health of all those in attendance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive and are required to wear a face covering or mask while at the drive, in alignment with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention public guidance.  

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.