Plasma from whole blood and platelet donations made through the American Red Cross that test positive for COVID-19 antibodies may now help current coronavirus patients in need of convalescent plasma transfusions.

Donors are encouraged to make an appointment to give blood or platelets now to help ensure coronavirus patients and others who depend on transfusions have needed blood products this fall.

Convalescent plasma contains COVID-19 antibodies that may help the most critical patients actively fighting this virus.

The Red Cross is offering a $1,000 amazon.com gift card to five winners who donate this month.

Locally, a blood drive is planned for 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday at First Baptist Church, 505 Community Drive, Seymour.

Eligible donors are encouraged to schedule an appointment, download the free Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org, call 800-733-2767 or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.