Senator Donates Plasma To Help Fight Coronavirus

WOODBURY, NY — State Sen. James Skoufis, a Democrat from Woodbury, tested positive for the new coronavirus in April. He has since recovered and donated convalescent plasma to the New York Blood Center.

According to medical experts, plasma taken from those who have recovered from COVID-19 contains antibodies from the virus, which may be able to assist others who are battling the disease.

Skoufis said that donating the plasma was a safe, easy and small sacrifice on behalf of the Hudson Valley neighbors who are still struggling with the disease.

"As we continue our collective recovery, thousands of our fellow New Yorkers remain hospitalized with COVID-19 and could use our help," he said in a prepared statement. "I encourage my constituents, if they are able, to donate plasma or blood at a center near them."

Since the outbreak of the new coronavirus in New York, there have been severe shortages in blood supplies and donations throughout the state, including in the Hudson Valley, officials said.

More information for those interested in donating plasma or blood can be found on the New York State Department of Health website.

Skoufis represents the 39th Senate District, which is comprised of parts of Orange, Rockland and Ulster counties.

Like Hudson Valley Patches' Facebook Pages.