July 9, 2025 The Newspaper Serving LGBT Los Angeles

L.A. Care Breaks Barriers with LGBTQ+ Inclusive Blood Drive On August 22

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

in NEWS
Related Posts

Interview: The Dinah Creator Mariah Hanson on Legacy, Change, and the Future of Queer Celebration

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

After 34 Groundbreaking Years, Hanson Reflects on Joy, Power, and Her Final Dinah  We spoke with Mariah Hanson, the creator...

Shore Hotel: A Local Destination for Summer Fun

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Bring on all things summer. Walking or biking along Santa Monica Pier, you might find yourself taking a pause at...

One Last Bite: La Novia Bids Farewell with Final Pop-Up at Cardinale du Vin

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Inventive Latin-Asian Pop-up Serves Seasonal Small Plates for One-Night-Only La Novia, the pop-up kitchen known for its inventive Latin-Asian flavors,...

Governor Newsom Unveils Fast-Track Rebuilding Plan on Six-Month Anniversary of Palisades Fire

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

State Clears Over 5.5 Billion Pounds of Debris From Fires Ahead of Schedule Marking six months since the devastating Eaton...

Soprano Golda Zahra Returns to BroadStage For a One-Night-Only Musical Celebration

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

Hailed as “the rising star of the opera world” by The Hollywood Times, internationally acclaimed soprano Golda Zahra makes her much-anticipated return to BroadStage in...

Transform Your Life: The Free Virtual ONENESS GLOBAL SUMMIT Debuts July 18-20, 2025

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

The ONENESS GLOBAL SUMMIT, a transformative three-day virtual event, is coming, July 18-20, 2025, offering participants worldwide a free opportunity...

July 4 ICE Raid on WeHo Car Wash Ends in Deportation of Local Resident

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

Longtime West Hollywood Worker with Family’s Rent Money Taken in Raid A group of masked men and women, without official...

Bel Air and Holmby Hills Estates Lead May’s List of America’s Top 10 Home Sales

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

LA Claims Two of the Top Three Luxury Home Sales Last Month expensive residential transaction in the U.S. for May,...

Newhart Family Lists Beloved Comedy Legend’s Townhouse in Century City

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

Late TV Star’s Custom Townhouse, Filled With Memories and Holiday Cheer  A luxurious Century Woods townhouse once home to comedy...

Caitlyn Jenner’s Friend and Former Foundation CEO Dies in Malibu ATV Crash

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

ATV Plummeted 350 Feet After Rear-Ending Vehicle in Malibu Sophia Hutchins, former CEO of the Caitlyn Jenner Foundation and longtime...

Michael Madsen, Star of Reservoir Dogs and Kill Bill, Dies at 67 in Malibu

July 4, 2025

July 4, 2025

Actor Remembered for His Intense Performances and as a Poet  Actor Michael Madsen, known for his distinctive gravelly voice and...

Los Angeles City Council Cracks Down on ‘Disaster Tours’ in Pacific Palisades

July 4, 2025

July 4, 2025

City Council Bans Commercial Bus Tours in Burn Zone Amid Community Backlash Tour buses that have been operating in fire-ravaged...

Tow Truck Scammers Target Crash Victims Across L.A.: Authorities Warn of Fraud at Accident Scenes

July 4, 2025

July 4, 2025

Officials Urge Drivers to Stay Alert After Collisions as Rogue Operators Demand Inflated Fees  Motorists involved in vehicle accidents are...

Woman Dies After Melrose Store Altercation: LAPD Launches Homicide Investigation

July 4, 2025

July 4, 2025

Critically Injured Young Woman Died July 2, After She was Badly Beaten at Work  The death of a woman critically...

CHP Officer Dies in Culver City Crash: Medical Emergency Suspected Behind Tragic Incident

July 4, 2025

July 4, 2025

Officer lost consciousness while transporting a suspect before crashing into a tree California Highway Patrol Officer Miguel Cano died early...