In the midst of a worldwide crisis, in which the healthcare systems of nations strain under the burden of pandemic, one local source is surviving with community support despite limitations.

Miller-Keystone Blood Center, often near a critical need of donations to supply our hospitals, announced recently that there is currently no blood shortage. This despite numerous blood drive and appointment cancelations as well as a lack of bloodmobiles.

According to Communications Director Marie Clemens, “Due to the swift and generous response of our community, our community’s blood supply is stable at this time.” Appointments for donations may have to be made days ahead of time to find an available time slot.

That said, she reminds the community that there are patients who require blood routinely as part of their cancer treatment, as well as accident victims, premature infants and more. The need for blood never ends, but the supply certainly can if it’s not available. Blood is perishable and there is no substitute – the only source is the volunteer blood donor.

Additionally, Miller-Keystone is working with other partners on an experimental treatment called convalescent plasma, for which it is also seeking donors.

“When a person becomes ill with COVID-19, it can take time to develop the antibodies needed to combat the disease,” Vice President and Medical Director Dr. Kip Kuttner explained. “While some patients can become critically ill and require the assistance of a ventilator, 80% of those contracting COVID-19 do not become seriously ill. These patients recover and have now have the antibodies in their plasma.

Kuttner said, “By collecting this plasma and giving it to seriously ill patients, the hope is to provide a boost to the patient’s antibodies and help stimulate recovery. This is particularly important in patients who have a suppressed immune system.”

“To be eligible to donate convalescent plasma, the potential donor must be symptom-free of COVID-19 for 28 days or more,” adds Qiana Cressman, Executive Director of Donor Operations. “All general eligibility guidelines for blood donation must still be met, and the potential donor must pass all other screening tests and qualifications necessary for donating blood. The actual donation process will be the same as for a whole blood or automated plasma donation.”

If you or someone you know has recovered from COVID-19 and would be interested in donating for the Convalescent Plasma Program, visit GIVEaPINT.org/covid-plasma to complete the eligibility screening form. For additional information, contact Diane Wiest, RN, Senior Director of Risk Management, at 800-223-6667, ext. 1245 or dwiest@giveapint.org.