The American Red Cross of South Carolina and the NFL are partnering this January, during National Blood Donor Month, to urge individuals – especially those who have recovered from COVID-19 – to give blood and to help tackle the national convalescent plasma shortage.

The Red Cross has teamed up with the NFL to offer those who come to give blood, platelets or plasma, Jan. 1-31, 2021, a chance to win a getaway to the 2022 Super Bowl LVI in Los Angeles. As an extra thank-you from the Red Cross, those who come to give Jan. 1-20, 2021, will also be automatically entered to win a Big Game at Home package, which includes a 65-inch television and $500 gift card toward food and fun so their household can enjoy an awesome viewing experience safely at home. Terms apply; visit RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl for more information.

Two ways COVID-19 survivors can help

Health emergencies don’t pause for holidays, game days or a pandemic – blood is needed every two seconds in the U.S. to help patients battling injury and illness. As COVID-19 cases have risen across the U.S., so has the need for convalescent plasma – leading to a shortage of this potentially lifesaving blood product.

There are two ways those who have recovered from COVID-19 can make a big difference:

A convalescent plasma donation: The Red Cross is collecting convalescent plasma at over 170 locations throughout the country. If you’ve recovered from COVID-19, you may be eligible to donate your plasma to help others going through COVID-19 treatment. Fill out the eligibility form to start the process.

A whole blood donation: Plasma from whole blood donations that test positive for COVID-19 antibodies may be used to help COVID-19 patients. Make an appointment to give blood by downloading the free Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).  

20-year-old, Tramone Hester.Hester is a college student in the Myrtle Beach, SC area and recently recovered from the coronavirus.After he received a positive COVID19 test and recovered, he wanted a way to help others who are dealing with cases of COVID-19. When he heard the Red Cross was collecting convalescent plasma, he went online  to see if he was eligible to give.

“I went online and filled out the application. It was a simple, really quick process and didn’t take long. I actually heard from someone with the Red Cross the next day,” said Hester.

He made a donation at the Myrtle Beach fixed donation Center. 

“It was so easy. I thought it would take long, but it only took me one hour,” Hester said. “I can definitely say I felt safe. The rules and regulations were in place. Everyone wore masks, there were places you couldn’t go, we were kept 6 feet apart.’

Read Tramone's story here. 

Kick off the year by making a lifesaving donation this National Blood Donor Month.