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- Over the last few months,

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our country and countries around the world

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have faced unprecedented times

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in this global pandemic
has affected each of us.

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- Defeating COVID-19 is an ongoing effort

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and will take all of us working together.

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The Air Force medical service is committed

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to bring in all we have
to fight this virus.

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A promising treatment for COVID-19

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is called convalescent plasma therapy.

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- Early research shows
plasma from individuals

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who have recovered from a COVID infection

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contains antibodies that can help patients

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with severe COVID illness.

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Early results in
convalescent plasma therapy

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has shown great promise,

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the Air Force has already had
success with this treatment.

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- In fact, the first patient
to receive convalescent plasma

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in the Air Force occurred
in the intensive care unit

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at Keesler Air Force Base
in April of this year.

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This patient received plasma

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from the armed services blood program

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and was treated using
the Mayo Clinic protocol.

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I'm happy to report this
patient fully recovered

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and has been discharged to home.

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- The Air Force is participating
in a department wide effort

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to further investigate

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the benefits of convalescent blood plasma.

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We plan to collect more
than 8000 units of plasma

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from individuals who have
recovered from COVID-19.

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This is a big job and we need your help.

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- Military or family members may donate

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if they have a prior diagnosis of COVID-19

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but are now symptom free,

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fully recovered and meet other
eligibility requirements.

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donations will be accepted

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at 15 Armed Forces blood
program facilities in the US

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as well as centers in
Hawaii, Guam, and Germany.

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- The process of donating

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is similar to routine plasma donation

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and takes just slightly
longer than a blood donation.

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We are counting on you to spread the word

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about this vital program
by telling your friends,

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family and others in
our Air Force community

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about the need for donors,

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please join the Air Force Medical Service

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and the Military Health System

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in this effort to defeat COVID-19

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and help set our nation and our
world on a path to recovery.

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(soft music)