A Fond du Lac County man is the first donor of convalescent plasma at the Community Blood Center in Appleton helping in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic. Gregg Bartel of Malone, Wis., who was diagnosed with COVID-19 and has since fully recovered, was CBC’s first donor of convalescent plasma on Wednesday, April 29. This plasma can now be directly transfused to a patient currently suffering from COVID-19 as a potential treatment option. Bartel said he knows how tough this illness is and if his experience is able to make someone else’s life a little easier he is happy to contribute. While this donation is an important step in providing treatment options for local patients, it is just the first donation of many that CBC says it hopes to collect in the coming weeks and months. Bartel says he understands the potential his and others’ plasma has. “COVID-19 is very serious, and hopefully others who recover are willing to give their plasma as well,” Bartel said. CBC is calling on those who have been diagnosed and have since recovered from COVID-19 to consider making a plasma donation. Interested individuals can learn more by calling (800) 280-4102 or by visiting www.communityblood.org/convalescent-plasma.
Eligible individuals, including first-time donors, are encouraged to schedule an appointment at www.communityblood.org or by calling (800) 280-4102.
