COVID-19 survivor donates plasma to help others fighting virus

JACKSON, Tenn. — You may remember Todd Lewis, the first Chester County resident to be diagnosed and then recover from COVID-19.

Thursday morning, he was at Lifeline Blood Services donating CCP — COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma.

“Convalescent plasma is used to treat critically ill patients suffering with COVID-19,” said Nikki Watlington, director of quality and regulatory services for Lifeline Blood Services.

To donate the plasma you must have had a positive case, recovered, and then be symptom free for 28 days.

Lewis is the first person to donate CCP in Jackson.

“Trying to find anyway I can give back,” Lewis said. “I did the clinical research last week. I’m doing this. Whatever way I can help so nobody has to go through what I went through is what I’m focused on.”

The donation process took less than an hour. Next, the plasma is taken to be separated to help four different people.

“Right now, Jackson General is using plasma. We are going to try to keep as many as possible here in our area for Tennessee,” said Gina Humphries.

And now, Lifeline Blood Services is asking those who have had and beat COVID-19 like Todd, to come and donate plasma so they can help those now fighting the virus.

“They are the only ones that can donate Convalescent plasma,” Watlington said. “They have developed antibodies, as they successfully fought off COVID-19. And, that is what helps treat the critically ill patients.”

Officials say even once patients get the donated plasma, it can still be a fight before they recover.

If you qualify to donate plasma for COVID-19 patients, click here to find out how you can set up an appointment.