Tower Health announced today that it is participating in important research involving the use of plasma from those who have recovered from COVID-19. The goal is to investigate the use of antibodies, presumed to be present in the plasma, as a treatment for those with the disease. This use of "convalescent plasma" is one of the major areas of research into COVID-19. Tower Health hospitals have registered to take part in this research under the Mayo Clinic Expanded Access Program.
The vast majority of those made ill by the virus return to full health within a week or two. Because we are now six weeks into the virus's arrival in our community, we have a growing number of individuals in our area, and within Tower Health, who have recovered from the disease and may have antibodies to the virus.
If you or a family member have recovered from a confirmed positive case of COVID-19, you may be eligible to donate plasma to treat hospitalized patients and to advance our understanding of this disease. Interested persons can register with either the Miller-Keystone Blood Center or the American Red Cross. If you qualify, the process of donating plasma is as simple as a regular blood donation.
"Tower Health is pleased to support this important research which may bring relief to ill patients while also advancing our knowledge of COVID-19," said Debra Powell, MD, Chief, Section of Infectious Disease at Reading Hospital - Tower Health. "Donated plasma will stay in our area and distributed to patients in need."
About Tower Health
Tower Health is a strong, regional, integrated healthcare provider/payer system that offers leading-edge, compassionate healthcare and wellness services to a population of 2.5 million people. With approximately 14,000 team members, Tower Health consists of Reading Hospital in West Reading; Brandywine Hospital in Coatesville; Chestnut Hill Hospital in Philadelphia; Jennersville Hospital in West Grove; Phoenixville Hospital in Phoenixville; Pottstown Hospital in Pottstown; and St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, a partnership of Tower Health and Drexel University in Philadelphia. It also includes Reading Hospital Rehabilitation at Wyomissing; Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences in West Reading; home healthcare services provided by Tower Health at Home; and a network of 22 urgent care facilities across the Tower Health service area. Tower Health offers a connected network of 2,200 physicians, specialists, and advanced practice providers across more than 230 convenient locations. For more information, visit towerhealth.org.