Today, on August 7, 2023, Chris Van Bibber made history as he donated blood at the American Red Cross Blood Donation Center in Salt Lake City. This act of generosity has been a long time coming for Chris, who, for decades, was prevented from donating due to outdated U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines that barred sexually active gay men from donating blood.

Chris's journey as one of the first Red Cross donors under the newly implemented guidelines signifies a significant step towards inclusivity and equality. The FDA recently eliminated blood donation policies based on sexual orientation and replaced them with a new screening process based on individual risk factors. These updated guidelines allow more LGBTQ+ individuals, like Chris, to contribute to the critical need for blood donations.

A Life-Changing Inspiration
For Chris, the decision to donate blood stems from a personal connection. When he was born, his mother, Sheri Van Bibber, faced a life-threatening medical complication and relied on donated blood for her survival. Witnessing the life-saving impact of blood donation firsthand, Chris grew up with a deep understanding of its significance.

Sheri, who works for the Red Cross organizing blood drives, expressed her excitement about the recent changes, saying, "I never thought I would see this in my lifetime." She acknowledges the countless conversations she and Chris have had about the implications of blood donation policies on the LGBTQ+ community. Sheri proudly supports Chris's desire to be included in the blood donation process, stating, "These gentlemen in his community have so much to give."

The Eager Universal Donor
In addition to his unwavering advocacy for blood donation, Chris possesses O negative blood type, making him a universal donor. Despite feeling healthy and eager to contribute, Chris had previously been restricted from donating due to the outdated FDA guidelines. Now, he finds tremendous joy in being able to give back, expressing his happiness, "To finally be able to donate myself and give back, I'm so happy to be here."

The newly implemented Individual Donor Assessment (IDA) policy replaces blanket deferrals based on sexual orientation with an evaluation of individual risk factors. The revised questionnaire considers factors such as recent sexual behavior and partners when assessing the risk of HIV transmission. This progressive approach eliminates the previous requirement of abstinence from sex for three months.

Chris emphasizes that blood donation has become an ongoing conversation among his LGBTQ+ friends. He highlights the significance of this opportunity and the desire within his community to participate. However, he also underscores the need for further research regarding individuals using HIV prevention medications like PrEP and PEP, stating, "My community wants to donate."

Ensuring Safety and Inclusion
Ensuring safety and inclusion remains a top priority for the Red Cross and its industry partners. Multiple layers of safety measures are in place to protect both donors and the blood supply. Each donation undergoes rigorous testing, including screenings for HIV, hepatitis B & C, and other transfusion-transmitted agents. Patients can have confidence in the safety of every unit of blood they receive.

Chris Van Bibber's journey as one of the first Red Cross donors under the new FDA guidelines is a testament to the triumph of inclusivity in blood donation. The shift towards individual risk assessment ensures that healthy individuals, regardless of sexual orientation, can contribute to the critical need for a secure and diverse blood supply. With ongoing research and advocacy, the hope is to overcome the remaining limitations and expand opportunities for those using HIV prevention medications. Chris's unwavering commitment to giving back serves as an inspiration for us all.

"I am so proud that I could donate blood today," Chris said. "There is no substitute for blood, and so many patients are in need. We need to have inclusive procedures that allow more people to donate and protect the blood supply. I encourage everyone to come donate blood at the Red Cross."

The Red Cross needs donors now more than ever. Schedule an appointment to give by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).