Watchung Encourages Coronavirus Survivors To Donate Plasma

WATCHUNG, NJ — Watchung is encouraging anyone who can to give blood or plasma during the coronavirus outbreak.

In a post on the borough's facebook, city officials said one of the best ways that residents can help out during the pandemic is to give plasma, particularly if the donor has already had the coronavirus and has recovered.

Researchers say the plasma of former coronavirus patients can contain antibodies, which can be drawn and used to help others recover from the virus. The Red Cross says this treatment can be lifesaving for patients who have serious or immediately life-threatening infections.

Watchung encourages anyone who is interested to visit the Red Cross or the New York Blood Center to find out more about how they can donate and how their donations could help save lives. Both organizations are only taking plasma donations from those who have had a verified diagnoses of the coronavirus and who have fully recovered.

The Red Cross's plasma donation site can be found here.

The New York Blood Center's plasma donation sign-up can be found here.