Author: Jessica Gregory

UW-Health announced that the Badgers Give Back blood drive begins next week, running Oct. 27 through Oct. 29. 

Located at the new recreational facility The Nick, students can make appointments between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.

The Badgers Give Back blood drive serves as an opportunity for the American Red Cross to receive convalescent plasma from recovered COVID-19 students that can be used to immediately help those currently hospitalized from the virus. Convalescent plasma contains antibodies that can fight off COVID-19 symptoms in compromised bodies when transferred. UW Health and UW School of Medicine along with many institutions nationally have been studying the effects and benefits of COVID-19 convalescent plasma since last April.

UW-Madison School of Medicine's Dr. William Hartman said that a majority of the plasma obtained through the drive will very likely remain in Wisconsin. Dr. Hartmen runs the COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma Program.

“Convalescent plasma is a powerful tool in treating COVID-19 patients, and we are proud of these students for stepping up and helping increase how much is available. The community is saving the community,” Hartman said.

Appointments can be made through the American Red Cross at www.redcrossblood.org. Students will need to type “Badgers” into the sponsor code near the top right corner of the webpage outlined in red.

All students who are able are encouraged to donate blood, but those who currently have COVID-19 or are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 can not donate. 

According to UW-Madison's SmartRestart dashboard, as of Oct. 23, a total of 3,178 students have tested positive for COVID-19 so far this semester.