First member of Congress diagnosed with COVID-19 donating blood for treatment

Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.), the first member of Congress to test positive for coronavirus, is donating blood plasma to be used in an experimental treatment for critically ill COVID-19 patients.

“I’m extremely grateful to, not only have completely recovered from COVID-19, but also to have been able to donate my plasma to help those with serious or immediately life-threatening coronavirus infections,” said Diaz-Balart.

“I strongly encourage people who have recovered from COVID-19 to become a donor, it could save someone’s life. I thank the OneBlood team for their amazing work. During a time of crisis, it’s crucial that we come together to help any way we can,” he added.

Diaz-Balart announced his diagnosis in mid-March and self-quarantined at his Washington, D.C., apartment. 

The Florida congressman avoided returning to his home district during his convalescence for the safety of his wife, Tía, whose previous health issues put her at increased risk if she were to contract the disease.

Diaz-Balart is donating his blood plasma to OneBlood, a nonprofit blood center with operations in Florida and North Carolina, according to a statement by his office.

Rep. Joe Cunningham (D-S.C.) announced Thursday via Twitter that he is also donating plasma for potential antibody treatment.

“I was incredibly fortunate to only have extremely mild #COVID19 symptoms and now I’m grateful for the chance to help out someone who is critically ill. If you’ve recovered from coronavirus, I encourage you to do the same!” wrote Cunningham. 

I was incredibly fortunate to only have extremely mild #COVID19 symptoms and now I’m grateful for the chance to help out someone who is critically ill. If you’ve recovered from coronavirus, I encourage you to do the same! https://t.co/BrNNV7WCTD

— Rep. Joe Cunningham (@RepCunningham) April 30, 2020

Patients who’ve recovered from viral infection present antibodies that in certain cases can help treat other patients with the same infection. 

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) earlier this month approved the use of blood plasma antibodies as an experimental treatment for COVID-19. 

“People who have recovered from the coronavirus hold the potential key in helping critically ill coronavirus patients recover and they are needed,” said Susan Forbes, OneBlood’s senior vice president of corporate communications and public relations.

“OneBlood is collecting COVID-19 convalescent plasma seven days a week throughout its service area and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future,” said Forbes.

According to Diaz-Balart’s office, potential convalescent plasma donors must meet all FDA blood donation requirements, plus have tested positive for COVID-19 or for antibodies after recovery and have no symptoms for 14 days with a COVID-19-negative test, or 28 days with no symptoms.