Restrictive FDA Guidelines Changed, Will Allow LGBTQ+ Donors To Give Blood
By Dolores Quintana
L.A. Care Health Plan is set to host its first blood drive since the recent FDA and American Red Cross policy change, eliminating sexual orientation-related questions for blood donation eligibility. This progressive step is expected to alleviate the recurring summer blood shortage.
The revised policy, implemented on August 7th, now focuses on an individual donor’s assessment, irrespective of their gender or sexual orientation. This change in approach is anticipated to help meet the crucial demand for blood during the customary summer shortages, which have posed challenges in maintaining adequate supplies of lifesaving blood products for individuals dealing with high-risk medical conditions such as high-risk births, cancer, sickle cell disease, or trauma resulting from accidents.
L.A. Care Health Plan, committed to promoting LGBTQIA+ inclusivity, views this policy shift as a significant stride towards welcoming a broader spectrum of donors, ultimately contributing to saving lives. Sign up to donate here.
Terry Brown, Chief of Human Resources Officer at L.A. Care Health Plan, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “This will be the first time in decades that I’ve been able to donate blood at my own blood drive, and I couldn’t be more excited.” Brown, who identifies as gay, has overseen L.A. Care’s blood drives for many years but was unable to contribute due to the more restrictive guidelines established in the 1980s.
Throughout the month of August, all blood donors will receive a $10 e-gift card for a movie merchant of their choice as an expression of gratitude for their support. Additional details regarding this offer can be found at RedCrossBlood.org/Movie. Interested donors are encouraged to sign up for this pioneering event, demonstrating the power of inclusivity and community support.
Event Details:
Date: Tuesday, August 22
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Location: L.A. Care Health Plan 1055 West 7th Street, Room 100, Los Angeles, CA 90017
