Actor Daniel Dae Kim's Convalescent Plasma Donation at Vitalant Featured on 'The Call to Unite' Live Streamed Event

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May 02, 2020, 07:30 ET

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., May 2, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Actor Daniel Dae Kim's convalescent plasma donation was featured May 1 on 'The Call to Unite'—a 24-hour live streamed event that celebrates our shared humanity during the coronavirus pandemic. Special Olympics chairman Tim Shriver organized the event, which showcases celebrities like Kim, Oprah and Julia Roberts, alongside former presidents and faith leaders.

After fully recovering from COVID-19, Kim flew from his home in Hawaii to give his vital plasma donation at a Vitalant blood donation center in Ventura, CA. Convalescent plasma contains antibodies that are active against the disease to give patients' immune systems the ability to attack the virus.

"I learned about the Mayo Clinic being named the national program for this effort and I wanted to do my part to help those who are still battling the illness," said Daniel Dae Kim. "I hope those who can will consider joining me to help other Americans in need—either through the Mayo Clinic, Red Cross or their local blood donation center, like Vitalant." Kim plays a doctor in the TV shows The Good Doctor and New Amsterdam and was also on Lost and Hawaii Five-O.

Visual assets can be downloaded at https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1CRYTz_Eq4LlEGgNNgzB1BjJibs4z_YEG?usp=sharing

In early April, Vitalant, the nation's largest, independent nonprofit blood service provider, launched a program in collaboration with hospital partners, the Mayo Clinic and the American Red Cross to treat COVID-19 patients with convalescent plasma. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has identified and approved convalescent plasma treatment as an "emergency investigational new drug." It is currently the only antibody treatment available to COVID-19 patients and, as such, is a promising new treatment option.

Kim announced on Instagram March 19 that he had tested positive for COVID-19 after returning to his home in Hawaii from a work trip in New York. He soon developed a sore throat, chest tightness, body aches and a fever. He was diagnosed with COVID-19 after going to a drive-through testing clinic in Honolulu. For the next several weeks, Kim self-isolated at his home to protect his family while receiving treatment remotely from his physician.

"This disease is unlike anything I've ever experienced," said Kim. "Now that I've recovered, my plasma may contain antibodies that will help people who are fighting COVID-19 right now. I'm glad I'm able to help those who are still fighting their own battles."

Currently, there are no vaccines or proven treatments for COVID-19 because the virus is so new. Although trials for a vaccine are underway, it is expected to be many months before one is approved.

"Our hearts go out to those who have suffered from the disease or lost loved ones. Daniel is setting a great example for those who have recovered. Donating convalescent plasma holds the additional promise of helping a critically ill COVID-19 patient turn the corner," said Cliff Numark, Vitalant's chief of marketing. "This procedure complements what is needed every day: blood donations help patients for a variety of reasons—from surviving trauma, to undergoing chemotherapy to receiving an organ transplant."

Vitalant is seeking convalescent plasma donors to help patients. Eligibility criteria are:

Prior diagnosis of COVID-19, documented by a laboratory test or a positive serological test for the SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, taken after recovery
Complete resolution of symptoms for at least 14 days
Meet all other current FDA donor eligibility requirements to donate plasma

Even with these requirements, there may be additional tests or other criteria required. In some instances, those who have recovered from COVID-19 may be able to donate, even if they did not have an initial laboratory test. Those who meet the above criteria and want to donate plasma are encouraged to apply through the Vitalant website Vitalant.org/covidfree. For more information, please call 866-CV-PLSMA (866-287-5762).

"As this life-transforming program continues to expand, we encourage those who have recovered from COVID-19 to visit our website and complete the application form," Numark added. "It's an easy first step toward helping patients battling this devastating disease."

Vitalant will only accept donors who meet all FDA-required donor eligibility criteria and are symptom-free for at least 14 days. Potential donors can only donate if they have applied and have been accepted to the program. Donors cannot walk in for this procedure; they must complete the form at Vitalant.org/covidfree to begin the application process. Potential donors will then be contacted by Vitalant.

About Vitalant
Vitalant ("Vye-TAL-ent") is a national community blood service provider, supplying comprehensive transfusion medicine services for nearly 1,000 hospitals and health care partners for patients in need across 40 states. Vitalant inspires local communities to serve the needs of others and transform lives through the selfless act of donating blood. Every day, almost 5,000 blood donations are needed to meet the needs of people throughout the country, and Vitalant's 800,000 donors supply 1.8 million donations a year. In addition to blood products, Vitalant offers customers transfusion services, medical consulting, quality guidance, ongoing education, research and more. For more information and to schedule a donation, visit vitalant.org or call 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825). Join the conversation about impacting the lives of others on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

CONTACTS:
Carol Brugman
(602) 568-9156
[email protected]

Chandra Stewart
(602) 315-0043
[email protected]

SOURCE Vitalant