WICHITA — Right now, the American Red Cross has an emergency shortage of convalescent plasma, a potentially lifesaving treatment for patients with COVID-19. The Red Cross has seen demand for convalescent plasma more than double over the last month as the number of coronavirus cases increases across the U.S. Convalescent plasma products are now being distributed faster than donations are coming in.Individuals who have fully recovered and received a verified COVID-19 diagnosis are urged to sign up to give convalescent plasma now by completing the donor eligibility form at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.redcrossblood.org/plasma4covid" target="_blank">RedCrossBlood.org/plasma4covid</a>.Convalescent plasma is plasma that is collected from patients who have recovered from an infection and have antibodies that might help fight that infection – in this case, those who have fully recovered from COVID-19. With each donation, COVID-19 survivors have a unique ability to help up to three patients recover from the virus.Blood donors needed to keep supply strong amid pandemicThough this summer may feel different than summers past, one thing remains constant: The need for blood donations to help save lives. The&nbsp; Red Cross is urging healthy individuals to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.redcrossblood.org/give" target="_blank">give blood</a>&nbsp;to restock the shelves for patients battling disease and facing the unexpected.Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, people across the country have stepped up to help by giving blood with the Red Cross. Blood donations from healthy individuals are just as essential now to meet patient needs, and those who gave this spring may be eligible to help again.Donation appointments can be made for the coming days and weeks&nbsp;by downloading the free&nbsp;<a href="https://www.redcrossblood.org/blood-donor-app.html" target="_blank">Blood Donor App</a>, visiting&nbsp;<a href="http://www.redcrossblood.org/" target="_blank">RedCrossBlood.org</a>, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.As a thank-you for helping ensure a stable blood supply,&nbsp;those who come to give blood, including convalescent plasma, Aug. 1-Sept. 3 will receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card via email, courtesy of Amazon. (Restrictions apply. Additional information and details are available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.redcrossblood.org/Together" target="_blank">RedCrossBlood.org/Together</a>.)&nbsp;&nbsp;Plus, give&nbsp;by Aug. 31 and automatically be entered for a chance to win a trip for four to Cedar Point or Knott’s Berry Farm, redeemable through the 2021 season! (Terms and conditions apply. Additional information and details are available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.redcrossblood.org/cedarfair" target="_blank">RedCrossBlood.org/CedarFair</a>.)&nbsp;&nbsp;Blood donation safety precautionsTo protect the health and safety of Red Cross staff and donors, individuals who do not feel well or who believe they may be ill with COVID-19 should postpone their donation.Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/dlp/coronavirus--covid-19--and-blood-donation.html" target="_blank">additional precautions&nbsp;</a>– including temperature checks, social distancing and face coverings for donors and staff – have been implemented to help protect the health of all those in attendance. Donors are&nbsp;asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive and are required to wear a&nbsp;face covering or mask while at the drive, in alignment with&nbsp;Centers for Disease Control and Prevention&nbsp;public guidance.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Upcoming blood donation opportunities in the area Aug. 1-15Cloud CountyMiltonvale: Aug. 12, noon- 6 p.m., EMS/FIRE Building, 117 StarJewell CountyJewell: Aug. 14,&nbsp;11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Jewell Community Building, 214 DelawareMarion CountyGoessel: Aug. 10,&nbsp;1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Mennonite Church, 109 S. ChurchHillsboro: Aug. 10, noon&nbsp;- 6 p.m., Parkview Mennonite Church, 610 S. MainMcPherson CountyCanton: Aug. 5, noon&nbsp;- 6 p.m., Community Center, 100 W. McPhersonMoundridge: Aug. 12,&nbsp;9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Grace Crossing Church, 111 Cole StreetMitchell CountyBeloit: Aug. 5, noon&nbsp;- 6 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 801 N. Bell StreetRepublic CountyCuba: Aug. 3,&nbsp;11:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m., Community Center, 200 Baird StreetScandia: Aug. 11,&nbsp;11 a.m. - 6:30 p.m., Scandia Library, 318 Fourth StreetSaline CountySalina: Aug. 2,&nbsp;12:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., The Temple, 336 S. Santa FeAug. 8, 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., YMCA, 570 YMCA DriveAug. 13, noon - 6 p.m., Church of the Cross, 1600 Rush

Red Cross: Help keep robust blood supply as pandemic continues