There is an urgent need for COVID-19 survivors to donate plasma

There is a new need for plasma donations from people who have survived COVID-19.

Back in April, Channel 2 Action News told you how convalescent plasma helps patients who are currently fighting the virus.

Northside Hospital reached out to Channel 2 on Monday and said there is an urgent need for plasma donations with the increasing number of hospitalizations.

Qualified donors must be over the age of 18 and previously tested positive for COVID-19 or had positive antibody test.

The donors also must be symptom-free for at least 14 days and go through a screening to meet blood donor guidelines.

If you can help, appointments can be made via the Atlanta Blood Services website or call 404-477-1299. Atlanta Blood Services has donation facilities in Marietta and at Northside Hospital in Sandy Springs.

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Back in April, Channel 2′s Wendy Corona spoke with the first coronavirus survivor in the state to donate plasma to help others.

Frank Papola of east Atlanta told Corona said it took about 45 minutes and described it much like giving blood.

“The only difference is they separate the plasma from the blood and then they actually put the blood back in you,” Papola said

Having survived COVID-19, the recent retiree believes his new purpose may lie in his plasma.

“That would just be incredible to me and really make my life worthwhile,” Papola said.

Metro coronavirus survivor first in state to donate plasma to help others Frank Papola of East Atlanta said he feels blessed after having beaten the coronavirus. He spent four and a half days in Piedmont Atlanta Hospital on oxygen.

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