“Around the world, 25 countries are unable to screen all donated blood for one or more of these infections due to irregular supply of test kits, staff shortages, poor quality test kits, or lack of basic quality in laboratories”, said the statement.
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Blood organizations are asking that the tragedy serve as a reminder of the need for blood donations.
The theme of World Blood Donor Day 2016 is “Blood Connects Us All”. “The FDA came out with new guidelines that we are actively implementing that allows for 12-month deferral for men who have had sex with another man”, said Andrea Fagan of the Indiana Blood Center.
The immediate aftermath of the massacre in Orlando that claimed the lives of 49 LGBTQ people at the Pulse nightclub exposed the discrepancy in how blood donations are regulated in the US.
“If every healthy person voluntarily donates at least twice a year, we could meet the needs of almost all the patients around the country who need a transfusion”, said Amerise. “So, of course, if somebody is in that community, we’d love for them to show support, but any blood type is also welcome and very much needed”, she said.
Freedom to Donate, a British charity, says as blood is screened for diseases before it is used for transfer it is unnecessary for the ban to be in place. “It’s tragic what happened up there”, said Danny Janes, blood donor.
Hughes has a website where people wanting to help can donate funds if they cannot donate blood.
The American Red Cross states other aspects of each potential donor’s health history are discussed as part of the donation process before any blood is collected.
The FDA considered eliminating all restrictions on blood donations from gay and bisexual men, but concluded that would increase the transmission of HIV through the blood supply by 400%. After sending out supplies to Orlando, their units of blood are depleting quickly.
One pint of blood can save up to three lives.
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United Blood Service staff ask that you call to make an appointment if you wish to donate blood.
