This Comes as the Red Cross Implements New FDA Guidelines on Donation Eligibility
The American Red Cross, which supplies 40 percent of the nation’s blood, has seen a sharp decline in donations throughout the summer – a shortfall of about 25,000 blood donations in the first two months of summer. This has made it hard to keep hospitals stocked with lifesaving blood products for people with cancer, sickle cell disease, or a traumatic injury due to an accident. L.A. Care Health Plan is hosting a blood drive in support of the American Red Cross.
For this blood drive, even more people will be eligible to donate. Earlier this month, the Red Cross implemented the updated FDA blood donation guidelines, which eliminate eligibility questions based on sexual orientation. All donors will be asked the same questions, and will be treated equally based on their own personal risk factors. L.A. Care is committed to inclusivity, and this new policy will welcome more people who will be able to help save lives. The new guidelines will maintain the safety of the blood supply.
The American Red Cross will be at:
L.A. Care Health Plan
1055 West 7th Street, Los Angeles, Room 100
Tuesday, August 22
9:30 am to 3:30 pm.
Media welcome 9:30 am – Noon
All who donate in August will receive a $10 e-gift card to a movie merchant of their choice. Find details about this offer at RedCrossBlood.org/Movie.
Sign up to donate here.