Our blood is amazing. It contains natural defenders called antibodies that identify and target viruses, bacteria and diseases that cause us harm. When you recover from COVID-19, your blood still contains these COVID-19-targeted antibodies, which doctors need for hospitalized patients who are fighting the virus. Because the antibodies are located in the plasma of your blood, this treatment is called COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma, or CCP.
Watch this video for more information.
Why it’s important to donate.
In Hawaii, thousands of our local families have been affected by COVID-19, especially Native Hawaiians, Filipinos and Pacific Islanders. While this is heartbreaking, it also means that these communities have the most potential CCP donors. In a state where we take pride in supporting one another, this is a chance to use your past illness to help someone else become stronger.
3 Steps to becoming a CCP donor
Mahalo and congratulations on taking these important steps to donate your COVID Convalescent Plasma (CCP). Your donation could save a life by helping hospitalized COVID-19 patients fight the virus and recover more quickly.Before you can donate, we’d like to learn more about you to ensure your safety as well as the safety of your CCP recipient.
Step 1: Let’s make sure you’re eligible:
- Did you receive a COVID-19 positive test (nasal swab or antibody test preferred) and have a lab result with your legal first and last name on it?
- Has it been 28 days since your last symptom?
- Do you meet general blood donation eligibility requirements? If you’re not sure, check here.
- Please download and fill out this brief questionnaire.
Step 2: Send us your documentation:
- Email your questionnaire and COVID-19 positive test result to COVIDplasma@bbh.org or fax to +1 (877) 874-8364.
If you have questions, give us a call at 848-4706 or email us at COVIDplasma@bbh.org.
Step 3: We’ll get right back to you
Our medical team will review your information and get in touch with you in about a week to let you know if you are eligible and if so, to schedule your CCP donation appointment.
There’s a convenient CCP donation site near you.
Choose the location that’s easiest for you: our Dillingham Donor Center in Kalihi, Young Street Donor Center in Moiliili and our Waikele Center Bloodmobile located near the food trucks.
Save a life, get $25 in groceries at Foodland and Sack N Save.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is donating CCP safe?
Because you are fully recovered from COVID, there is no additional risk to you, our staff or the general public when you donate plasma. We practice all required safety requirements including wearing masks/PPE and social distancing.
What is the process for donating CCP?
Donating CCP is relaxing and comfortable. After we determine you are healthy and able to donate, you’ll sit back in a comfortable chair and take it easy or watch a movie for about an hour while we painlessly remove the plasma and return the red blood cells back into your body. This process is called apheresis and it is also used for other types of plasma donations as well. When you’re done, you’ll be treated to some light refreshments.
Where will my plasma be used?
Blood Bank of Hawaii created the Hawaii CCP Coalition as a way for local health organizations to fight the virus together. Our role is to make this treatment readily available to hospitalized COVID-19 patients who are at the greatest risk by collecting and distributing CCP to coalition members, including The Queen’s Health Systems, Hawaii Pacific Health, and Kaiser Permanente.
Is Convalescent Plasma therapy a new treatment?
Convalescent Plasma has traditionally been administered as an early treatment for many infectious diseases, and is now being used to help people with COVID-19. In August, 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for CCP as a treatment of hospitalized COVID-19 patients, intended for use during the public health emergency.
Can I donate CCP after receiving either the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine?
Yes – if you were sick with COVID-19, you can get either vaccine and still donate your plasma for up to six months after your last symptom.
When I donate CCP, does the Blood Bank of Hawaii test me for COVID-19 antibodies?
After your CCP donation, a laboratory test will determine if your plasma contains enough antibodies to be given to patients who are hospitalized with COVID-19.
Can I get a COVID-19 test when I donate CCP?
Unfortunately, no. Blood Bank of Hawaii does not test donors for COVID-19. If you think you may have COVID-19 and want to be tested, please contact your medical provider.
How long do COVID-19 antibodies stay in my body? Does the amount of antibodies in my body decrease over time?
Every person is different and responds differently to the COVID-19 virus. We will let you know once you donate CCP if you are positive or negative for the antibodies and can schedule your next CCP donation, or if you are negative, we can schedule you a whole blood donation so you can still save lives. We have donors who have been donating CCP since the beginning of the pandemic who still have high enough levels of antibodies to donate.
I recovered from COVID-19 months ago, so should I still donate CCP? What happens if my plasma doesn’t have enough COVID-19 antibodies?
Yes, your CCP donation is still needed. If you do not have enough COVID-19 antibodies, we will contact you to let you know. We will use your donation as a regular plasma donation, which still goes towards saving lives.
Watch Updated CCP Stories Here
January 13, 2021
(VIDEO) Fight COVID with COVID Joint Press Conference with Lt. Gov. Josh Green
January 10, 2021
November 24, 2020
Lt. Gov. Josh Green donates plasma to Blood Bank of Hawaii
November 17, 2020
Dr. Kim-Anh Nguyen answers coronavirus questions
August 2, 2020
BBH President and CEO Kim-Anh Nguyen explains the urgent need for CCP on Hawaii News Now
July 30, 2020