A Good Way for Broke Folks to Help: Donate Blood.

[antigone382]

I am reading reports (no, I don't have a firm source for this), that the Red Cross had to cancel about 300 blood drives in the path of Sandy, and thus, is very much in need of blood donations at this time. If you are able and willing to donate blood, here is a link to the Red Cross page where you can find upcoming blood drives that are close to you.

http://www.redcrossblood.org/make-donation

[Raster]

1. I wish I could donate. I am a Gay man. The FDA still does not allow Gay men to donate blood.

Edited to point out the FDA and NOT the Red Cross will not allow Gay men to donate blood.

[antigone382]

2. I am sorry to hear it.

Hopefully one day their policies will become more enlightened in this regard.

[Raster]

4. I agree. There are thousands - literally thousands - of Gay men across this country....

...that would heed the call. And quite frankly the large majority would NOT want any type of financial compensation, just the chance to contribute to the public good.

Blood availability crisis? Ha! Invite the LGBT brothers and sisters to donate. The crisis would be over. The after-donation refreshments would be stellar and the in-line entertainment would be top-notch.

[PeaceNikki]

5. it's NOT the Red Cross' policy, it's the FDA

[Raster]

9. It's a BAD policy, rooted in anti-Gay discrimination. These days every pint of blood is tested and.

...retested for a variety of diseases. There is no longer a good reason to not accept blood from Gay men.

[PeaceNikki]

10. I agree 100%, but point the finger in the right direction.

ARC and others want it changed, too.

http://www.cnn.com/2012/07/06/health/gay-men-blood-ban/index.html

[Raster]

12. Good article. Thanks for the info!

I guarantee, allow HIV negative Gay men to donate blood...they will end the blood crisis.

[PeaceNikki]

13. it's an issue near and dear to me. I'm with you.

I think we'll see it changed soon.

I hope.

[Incitatus]

11. Right. It is outdated andneeds to go.

It looks like they are reexamining the policy:

http://www.cnn.com/2012/07/06/health/gay-men-blood-ban/index.html?hpt=hp_c3

[gateley]

6. They won't take my blood, either, but it's understandable because I have Hep C.

I would have hoped they'd have moved beyond the "gay ban" by now.

[Incitatus]

8. nm

[EmeraldCityGrl]

14. This is appalling. I'm sorry I didn't know this. n/t

[gateley]

3. EXCELLENT idea!

[PeaceNikki]

7. thank you! I started coordinating drives in 2005 after Katrina for that reason

We've done 2 per year since.