U.S. Rep. Brad Wenstrup (R-OH) on July 24 proposed the bipartisan Plasma Donation Awareness Act of 2020 to help ensure that Americans are aware of the demand for convalescent plasma during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It’s crucial that we raise awareness on how the simple act of donating your plasma can help us save lives, beat the virus and return to normal,” said Rep. Wenstrup, an original cosponsor of H.R. 7783 with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Scott Peters (D-CA).
Specifically, H.R. 7783 would require the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct the public awareness campaign to encourage patients who have recovered from COVID-19 to donate their plasma, which could help further the development of therapeutics and save lives.
“Patients who have recovered from COVID-19 can help save the lives of those who are currently battling the virus,” explained Rep. Wenstrup. “Our scientists and doctors are making great strides using antibodies in therapeutics and other treatments, however, they need a substantial supply of convalescent plasma to continue their important work.”
The measure is supported by Dr. Jose Cancelas, director of the Hoxworth Blood Center, which operates seven Neighborhood Donor Centers located in the Greater Cincinnati area and in northern Kentucky, and Christa Hyson, assistant director of emergency response and public information officer for The Health Collaborative, which is based in Cincinnati.
U.S. Sens. Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) on July 2 introduced the same-named S. 4179 in their chamber.