Norwood Hospital is now providing convalescent plasma treatment for COVID-19 patients who meet protocol eligibility requirements. To help support this potentially lifesaving treatment, we are working with the American Red Cross in Dedham, MA to promote a convalescent plasma donation program for our community members who have had a COVID-19 diagnosis.

Eligible donors must meet three criteria:
•    Are at least 17 years old and weigh 110 lbs. Additional weight requirements apply for donors age 18 or younger.
•    Are in good health. You generally feel well, even if you're being treated for a chronic condition. View blood donation eligibility FAQ’s.
•    Have a prior, verified diagnosis of COVID-19, but are now are symptom free and fully recovered from COVID-19.

To learn more or to start your screening process, please fill out our secure form at https://www.norwood-hospital.org/covid-19-updates-and-resources or call Ailish Wilkie, Director of Quality & Safety at 781-278-6310.

According to said Matthew Lowry, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Norwood Hospital, the protocol can be lifesaving. “Convalescent plasma therapy is not a new concept and has been tried for SARS - CoV-1, MERS and H1N1 Influenza outbreaks previously. COVID-19 or SARS-CoV-2 has no readily available antiviral treatment options to date. As we fight this pandemic, convalescent plasma is again being evaluated as a possible option,” said Dr. Lowry. 

“People who recover from a COVID-19 infection have developed antibodies to the virus that remain in the plasma portion of their blood for some period of time,” Dr. Lowry explains. “Transfusing the plasma that contains the antibodies into a person still fighting the virus will hopefully provide a boost to that patient’s immune system and potentially help them recover.”

“We appreciate the generosity and compassion of potential donors who step forward with the desire to help others,” said Wilkie. “The use of convalescent plasma could make an important difference for our patients who are battling this serious illness.”

For additional details, please visit the American Red Cross at https://www.redcrossblood.org/faq.html#donating-blood-covid-19-convalescent-plasma.

About Norwood Hospital
Norwood Hospital is a full-service, 215-bed community hospital for adults and children with a focus on delivering world-class health care along with the latest advances in technology and treatment options. With first class specialists, innovative treatment options, and state-of-the-art technology, including robotic-assisted surgeries for joint replacement, the hospital campus provides exceptional care throughout Norfolk County and surrounding areas. Norwood Hospital has received many awards including the Healthgrades Patient Safety Excellence Award, MBSAQIP (Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program) Comprehensive Center Accreditation Award, and has been designated as two Blue Distinction+ Centers by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts for Maternity Care and for Knee and Hip Replacement. Norwood Hospital is part of the Steward Health Care System LLC. Additional information is available at www.norwood-hospital.org.

###