Earlier this month, the American Red Cross said it’s facing the worst blood shortage in almost a decade.
Now some members in Congress, as well as scientists, say the screening of blood is so accurate, gay and bi-sexual men should be allowed to donate blood sooner than is currently allowed. The Red Cross has previously said the same thing.
The rule today is that gay men have to abstain from sex for 90 days after their most recent sexual activity to be eligible to donate. Scientists now say a 10 day or two-week wait is good enough.
This is all coming about because COVID and the winter has led to a more-than 60 percent decline in blood donations. That blood can mean life or death for people in dire medical situations.
Keith Paul, Regional Communications Director, American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region, provided this statement and following press release:
"The Red Cross recognizes the hurt this policy has caused to many in the LGBTQ+ community and believes blood donation eligibility should not be determined by methods that are based upon sexual orientation. We are committed to working with partners toward achieving this goal.
We continue to assist in evaluating alternative donor eligibility criteria and the expanded use of new technologies to work toward elimination of donor eligibility questions based on sexual orientation that would no longer be necessary. However, as a regulated organization, we cannot unilaterally enact changes concerning the MSM deferral policy."
Andre Wade, State Director of Silver State Equality; Antioco Carrillo, Executive Director, Aid for Aids of Nevada; Brian Labus, Epidemiologist, Assistant Professor,UNLV’s School of Public Health; John Hughes, Pathologist, Southern Hills Hospital and Medical Center
