Expanded eligibility enacted for blood donations

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The American Red Cross began accepting blood donations Monday from newly eligible individuals, many in the LGBTQ+ community, under the U.S. Food and Drug Administration expanded eligibility recommendations.

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley donated blood under these rules in Raleigh, according to a press release. State Health Director and NCDHHS Chief Medical Officer Elizabeth Cuervo Tilson, M.D., also donated blood.

Kinsley and Tilson led an effort, joined by nine other states and the District of Columbia, calling on the FDA to update this policy.

The American Red Cross collects, processes and distributes about 40% of the nation’s blood supply, and with the constant need for donations, Kinsley and Tilson encouraged all North Carolinians, and those newly eligible to donate, to be regular blood donors.

NCDHHS partnered with EqualityNC, Harmony and the LGBT Center of Raleigh to invite those in Raleigh and surrounding areas to register for Monday’s event and give blood alongside them.

Adopting these new recommendations is the best way to ensure there is a safe and robust supply of blood, according to the release. Blood must be donated from another person and cannot be manufactured. Donations help accident victims, people with blood disorders and cancer patients. Each donation can help save more than one life.

To find dates and locations across the state, schedule an appointment to give blood or platelets by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit www.RedCrossBlood.org or call (800) RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

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