Banner Research provides Donation Coordinators to assist potential donors
PHOENIX (April 24, 2020) – With the need for “convalescent plasma” to treat critically ill COVID-19 patients ramping up as cases rise, Banner Research is providing donation coordinators in metro Phoenix, Tucson and Northern Colorado to help recovered COVID-19 patients get through the plasma donation process. The donation coordinators are equipped to assess qualifying criteria for potential donors, answer questions and explain how the donation process works.
Banner Health is part of a nationwide expanded access program designed to recruit plasma donors and use the valuable blood component as part of the treatment protocol for COVID-19 patients. A single plasma donation can be used for multiple patients. Those who have completely recovered from COVID-19 may have immune-boosting antibodies in their blood called convalescent plasma, which could be used to treat critically ill COVID-19 patients.
This week, the Banner University Medical Center – Tucson Blood Bank received its first unit of convalescent plasma to treat a COVID-19 patient in the ICU. While this is still an investigational new drug, there is hope the product will provide some therapeutic benefit.
The Food and Drug Administration recently allowed the transfusion of convalescent plasma as an investigational treatment. It’s currently the only antibody treatment available for COVID-19 patients.
“Our goal is to make it as easy as possible for the recovered COVID-19 patients to donate their valuable plasma,” said Chad Jaeger, senior director of Operations with Banner Research. “The more information and assistance we can provide to put our recovered patients at ease and get them qualified quickly, the better, and our Donation Coordinators are equipped to do just that.”
Current eligibility criteria for plasma donation include:
- Prior diagnosis of COVID-19
- Fully recovered and symptom-free for at least 14 days, as determined by a medical provider
- At least age 17 years old and weighing at least 110 pounds
- In good health and feeling well
Recovered COVID-19 patients can be referred directly to Vitalant or American Red Cross blood donation centers by their physician. Former patients who believe they meet the donation criteria also may reach out to a Donation Coordinator for assistance. They are:
Metro Phoenix:
Robert Flynn, clinical trial senior manager, Banner Research
Phone: 480.412.6859. Email: Robert.Flynn@bannerhealth.com
Northern Colorado:
Debbie Kroll, clinical research specialist, Banner Research
Phone: 970.810.2280. Email: Debbie.kroll@bannerhealth.com
Tucson:
Sara Knight, clinical trial senior manager, Banner Research
Phone: 520.903.8248. Email: Sara.Knight@bannerhealth.com
About Banner Health
Headquartered in Arizona, Banner Health is one of the largest nonprofit health care systems in the country. The system owns and operates 28 acute-care hospitals, Banner Health Network, Banner – University Medicine, academic and employed physician groups, long-term care centers, outpatient surgery centers and an array of other services; including Banner Urgent Care, Banner Imaging, family clinics, home care and hospice services, pharmacies and a nursing registry. Banner Health is in six states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Nebraska, Nevada and Wyoming. For more information, visit www.BannerHealth.com.