Could Plasma From COVID-19 Survivors Help Sick Patients?

Diana Barrett, a COVID-19 survivor, started Survivor Corps, a Facebook group to connect survivors and promote convalescent plasma donation. The group grew rapidly, highlighting the need for survivor engagement. Convalescent plasma, containing antibodies, is being used to treat COVID-19 patients, with promising anecdotal results. Despite initial challenges, donation infrastructure is improving, with organizations like the Red Cross and New York Blood Center facilitating donations. The process is simple and safe, and the potential impact on COVID-19 treatment is significant.

What motivated Diana Barrett to start the Survivor Core group?

• Her experience as a healthcare worker

• Her background in public health

• Her desire to connect with other COVID-19 survivors

• Her scientific research on COVID-19

What is the main mission of the Survivor Core group?

• To provide financial support to COVID-19 patients

• To encourage COVID-19 survivors to donate convalescent plasma

• To develop a vaccine for COVID-19

• To promote social distancing measures

What challenge did Barrett face when starting the plasma donation initiative?

• High cost of plasma collection

• Insufficient scientific evidence for plasma efficacy

• No existing infrastructure for plasma donation

• Lack of interest from survivors

How does the plasma donation process compare to regular blood donation?

• It requires a longer recovery period

• It is only available in select locations

• It is about 100 times easier

• It is more complicated and time-consuming

What organizations are involved in collecting convalescent plasma?

• National Institutes of Health

• Red Cross and New York Blood Center

• World Health Organization

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention