HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — The American Red Cross needs your help. The spike in cases has led to a convalescent plasma shortage.
The Red Cross is reporting that "hospital distributions for convalescent plasma increasing about 250% since October." Leaders with the Red Cross of North Alabama believe that number may be more.
They're asking for survivors who have had the virus to give blood.
"Your blood is the gift of life. Your blood - you fought the virus, you've recovered from the virus, and you have antibodies in your blood that are going to help someone else do the same," says Red Cross of North Alabama Executive Director, Khris Anderson.
The Red Cross of North Alabama also encourages people to host blood drives.
For more details, click here.
The Red Cross is also teaming up with the National Football League (NFL) are teaming up this January, National Blood Donor Month, to urge individuals – especially those who have recovered from COVID-19 – to give blood and to help tackle the national convalescent plasma shortage.
Here's what they offering:
During this critical time, the Red Cross and NFL are thrilled to offer all those who come to donate an opportunity to receive a special thank you this month. Those who come to donate blood or platelets this January will be automatically entered to win two tickets to next year's Super Bowl LVI in Los Angeles. In addition, those who come to give January 1-20, will also be automatically entered to win the "Big Game at Home" package for an awesome viewing experience safely at home, with a 65-inch television and a $500 gift card to put toward food and fun. See full details here.