Health Care Heroes Give Back

For one small group of Advocate Trinity Hospital workers, saving lives on the COVID-19 frontlines of Chicago’s Southeast Side isn’t enough.

This group of approximately 10 physicians, nurses, transporters and administrators all contracted and recently recovered from the virus. And, because they now carry coronavirus antibodies –which are being used worldwide in research and to treat critically ill COVID-19 patients – they feel called to do more.

This group came together to celebrate their personal victories over the virus, rededicate themselves to their health profession and donate their convalescent plasma. Cardiologist and COVID-19 survivor Dr. Marlon Everett organized the convalescent plasma collection and kick-off event in collaboration with Versiti Blood Center.

“It’s important for team members to donate their plasma because we’ve obviously been able to survive COVID and now we have something that we can give to so many patients that is so valuable to them,” Dr. Everett said. “This is probably one of the most altruistic endeavors we can do…being able to take care of patients by working but also to be able to give them antibodies to help the pandemic.”

Dr. Everett’s efforts are part of an Advocate Aurora Health initiative to engage the city’s hardest-hit areas in increasing convalescent plasma supplies in conjunction with making COVID-19 testing more accessible. A total of nine staff and three former COVID-19 patients pre-registered for the convalescent plasma event.

“This is a great idea because we can get so many units drawn in one day and at one spot. We are collecting three to four units of convalescent plasma from each donor and each unit will be transfused to a patient who is In need of it in a hospital,” said Shelby Mancini, Versiti COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma Coordinator.

“I think it’s important for us to do what we can to help each other,” said Dr. Evelyn Diaz-Jimemez. “A healthy life matters and if we can help others achieve, that, that’s our goal.”

Some pre-registered donors were unable to donate due to travel and health restrictions. However, they all said they are willing to donate convalescent plasma in the future.

“As health care providers, our primary philosophy should be doing anything altruistic,” said Registered ICU Nurse Aimua Idehen, This includes “helping our fellow human beings whether immediately or in the future though research.”