Blood Brothers

Joe Covert lends moral support and a little humor to fellow
plasma donor harry Filbert (photo DA)
Joe Covert and Harry Filbert, Facilities Management and Services, have something besides their work in common: they both donate blood plasma, a procedure they undergo every other week for an hour.

Covert and Filbert received recognition and certificates to upcoming Chico Performances from Staff Council on February 9 for their contributions to the All-Campus Blood Drives.

Covert has donated plasma 143 times; Filbert has donated 100 times. The two alternate weeks, so that there is a donation each week. Since the platelets in the plasma have only a five-day shelf life, the supply has to be continually renewed.

Blood plasma is crucial to the treatment of life-threatening conditions such as severe burns and some kinds of cancer treatments.

Filbert, a regular blood donor, was asked by Chico Blood Center personnel to be a plasma donor. For plasma, blood platelets are extracted from whole blood and then the red blood cells are replaced. There is no light-headedness or weakness said the nurse in charge of the procedure. "I donate plasma because I know it might save someone's life. It makes me feel good to know that I'm able to give in such an important way," Filbert said.

Filbert and Covert were more than willing to have their pictures taken to demonstrate that the procedure is painless and to let people know how essential blood and plasma donations are.