Those who would like to help can donate at United Blood Services donor center located at 1234 David Drive, Suite 102, in Morgan City.
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By Sunday afternoon, OneBlood posted on it’s website that it was at capacity.
“We will need the support of our local blood donors to help replenish our supplies, especially the supply of type O negative blood”.
That claim turned out to be false.
Janie Moore says, “I don’t think that sexual preference should have to do with whether you can or not as far as donating blood, I think if the blood is tested and its safe, it really is a life or death situation when there is a need for blood”. The FDA said the ban was in place to avoid the spread of HIV.
The controversy has triggered much debate about how federal rules that prevent many gay men from giving blood are discriminatory.
Late last year, the FDA modified the rule; now, a man who has had sex with another man within the last year can not donate blood.
Opponents of the rule argue that the waiting period should be no more than 30 days, given the fact that testing can detect the virus soon after infection.
A rumor also circulated that the restrictions on gay men donating blood had temporarily been lifted, given the dire need. “Today’s tragedy illustrates that it’s the blood already on the shelves that helps during an emergency”, Red Cross issued in a statement.
On Sunday, OneBlood was able to start refilling its bank with donations despite the restrictions.
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“We came to donate blood ourselves and ended up staying to help because the staff was very overwhelmed”, said Sgt. Matthew Burras, who was standing outside LifeSouth signing up donors. Lines snaked around blocks of people willing to donate.
