Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut, will hold a plasma drive this weekend. Blood plasma can be used as a possible treatment for infected COVID-19 patients.
The event at the University’s Pitt Center is in collaboration with its athletic department and the Rhode Island Blood Center.
Judy Ann Riccio is the senior woman administrator of athletics. She said the event was inspired by the father of a men’s lacrosse player in response to a coronavirus outbreak on campus.
"He asked if Sacred Heart University would be interested in holding a convenient plasma drive. And we had an overwhelming response from both our student athletes, the general student body. We even got some professors signed up so it’s been a great response,” Riccio said.
Riccio said the event is already “near capacity” with registrants.
The event will be held on Sunday, November 15, and up to 20 students will be able to donate their plasma. They’ll have to show proof of a COVID-19 test and be symptom-free for 14 days.
Sacred Heart University is the licensee of WSHU Public Radio.