But despite the Red Cross’ need for blood being met in Orlando, Stancil encouraged anyone interested in donating blood to continue to do so.
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The students recently poured fake blood on themselves and took pictures because the FDA has restrictions on blood donations for sexually-active gay men, women and those with piercings and tattoos, notes USA TODAY College.
Adams says flooding and tornadoes in the same month earlier this year closed down donation centers.
In the hours after the worst mass shooting in American history – Floridians living near and around Orlando responded in droves to help those in need. “So if you know you are O Negative, we want you in here, and we want your blood because your blood can be transfused into any patient”.
The fact that more than half of all donors are over 45 has led the NHS to express concern that there will not be enough blood in the future, and more young people are needed as donors.
One-hundred-and-ten-thousand people gave blood in New Zealand a year ago, just four per cent of those who are eligible.
Last year the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced that it would lift a ban on gay men donating blood, but only if they have refrained from having sex with other men for at least a year.
The Red Cross works independently from other blood donation operations, she said.
Hinson-Nolen says he can see the events in Florida spur a movement to make blood donation policies more inclusive.
Adams says that one day supply in the bank would get metro area through a regular day without much activity. Organizers are expecting a lot of support, so they’ll also be taking appointments and redirecting any overflow to donor centers all week long. United Blood Services reports being badly in need of blood.
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Doctors needed blood donors after the night club attack to help treat those injured, but many members from the LGBT community were turned away because of the restrictions, said Anthony Hayes, the vice president of public affairs and policy at Gay Men’s Health Crisis.
