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Missouri Man Donates Plasma After Recovering From Coronavirus

A Missouri man who recovered from the coronavirus became the first convalescent plasma donator at Mercy Hospital in St. Louis on April 6.

Walter Lamkin said he jumped at the opportunity to donate his plasma, and shared his experience in a video released by the hospital.

Convalescent plasma from those who have recovered from the coronavirus is currently being evaluated as a potential treatment for patients battling the virus and as a possible step towards creating a vaccine, the Missouri Department of Health said. It contains antibodies that have proven effective in fighting other historic pandemics, according to the FDA.

“Our team is excited to participate and contribute to the possible treatment of COVID-19,” said Dr. Emily Schindler, medical director of Mercy Blood Donor Services. “The first donor was here quickly and just as excited to do his part to help others. We look forward to providing this option to appropriate COVID patients across our health system.”

As of Thursday afternoon, Missouri had reported 5,111 confirmed cases of the virus and 152 deaths. Credit: Mercy Hospital South via Storyful