San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye joined national efforts in collecting blood from persons who were infected with COVID-19 and have recovered. A total of 19 pints were collected on Thursday, December 17th, at the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II. This blood, referred to as convalescent plasma, is used for persons currently battling the disease. Â It is believed that the plasma may contain COVID-19 antibodies that can help those infected.
The Belize Red Cross San Pedro Chapter reached out to the island community asking for help from recovered COVID-19 patients. They emphasized that many Belizeans are in great need of blood/convalescent plasma treatment, which could save their lives. The blood drive took place between 9AM and 3PM, and although several persons showed up, only 19 persons were eligible to donate.
‘Convalescent’ refers to any person who recovered from COVID-19. Plasma is the yellow liquid part of the blood, which contains antibodies to fight infections. The convalescent plasma from recovered patients may help hospitalized patients battle the deadly disease. Although this technique is a trial method, scientific evidence suggests this procedure can help treat COVID-19.
The blood collected is stored at the Blood Bank in Belize City and is available to COVID-19 patients that may need a transfusion.
On Ambergris Caye, for any blood emergency, the local Red Cross branch can be reached by texting to the number 615-4300, with the name of the person in need of the blood, blood type, amount, and term of the medical center where the patient is located.
