LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Last April, Spectrum News 1 reported from the Kentucky Blood Center, whose staff claimed to be the first center in the nation to accept plasma donations from COVID-19 survivors. The antibodies in the blood are then given to patients still fighting the virus.
We returned Tuesday to learn more than 100 survivors – some of whom are regulars – have been donating plasma across the Commonwealth. Few have committed like Kenny Norris, who has donated each month since June.
"If you were in a room or something, and somebody had a heart attack and you knew CPR, you would give them CPR," Norris explained from a chair at the clinic. "This is like CPR for somebody on a vent. It would help them."
His commitment to plasma donations aside, Kentucky Blood Center spokesperson Mandy Brajuha called Norris a unicorn. He has also been a regular donor of standard blood, though his type O-negative blood is far from standard. It doesn't hold the same regard during plasma donations, but O-negative blood is considered the universal donor, accepted by bodies of any blood type.
As for plasma with antibodies, Brajuha said its use has increased since our April visit when much was still unknown about treating the virus.
"Now there are some hospital systems that have started using the CCP [plasma antibody] system as a treatment method a little bit earlier, actually trying to prevent a patient from being severely ill," she said.
Including Tuesday, Brajuha said Norris had donated enough plasma to aid 32 afflicted patients. She added that it is odd Norris is still producing antibodies this far removed from his recovery. She said antibody lifespans are still uncertain for scientists.
Norris intends to continue donating as long as he has antibodies to give. For added incentive, he said his son is a donor as well. He believes he contracted the virus from his son in March, and the two have made monthly trips to contribute their plasma. But Norris smirked and said he has made one more donation than his son.
He intends to keep it that way.