U.S. Rep. Kelly Recovers from COVID-19, Donates Plasma

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly has recovered from COVID-19 and been declared free of the coronavirus by medical professional.

Kelly, R-16 Pa., tested negative for the virus and positive for the virus antibodies May 6 at UPMC Falk Clinic in Pittsburgh, he said in a statement. On May 11, he donated convalescent plasma at Vitalant Blood Bank in Greentree, just west of downtown Pittsburgh.

“The coronavirus is a tough opponent for many who contract it. At age 72 and a type two diabetic, I am in the category of people most vulnerable to COVID-19, so I am grateful to have defeated it,” he said. “Thank you to my wife Victoria and the doctors at Butler Memorial Hospital for caring for me during my recovery. Thank you also to the great team at UPMC for the work they are doing with convalescent plasma, which could save countless lives that would otherwise be lost to this disease.”

With the plasma donation, Kelly is taking part in a national clinical trial study to examine the effectiveness of blood transfusions in treating COVID-19.

Pictured: U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly donates plasma at Vitalant Blood Bank in Greentree, Pa. Image via UPMC.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.