Ralph Galvan at his first blood donation.
As the nation’s largest blood supplier, the Red Cross is grateful for the millions of donors who rolled up a sleeve throughout the year for patients in need. To further improve people’s health outcomes, the Red Cross has been working with community partners to introduce blood donation to a new and more diverse generation of blood donors — which is critical to ensuring that a reliable blood supply is available to the 1 in 7 hospital patients who need a lifesaving blood transfusion.
Thanks to FDA changes in blood donor eligibility this year, now more healthy people are able to give the gift of life, including Ralph Galvan of Los Angeles.
Ralph’s desire to impact his community led him to become a volunteer with his local Red Cross chapter. When he heard the Red Cross was participating in the ADVANCE Study that could lead to changes in blood donor eligibility for gay and bisexual men, he eagerly signed up for that, too. Through his participation, the study led to the FDA eliminating donor eligibility questions based on sexual orientation, which now allows him and many other healthy people to become blood donors.
“I was part of the ADVANCE Study that helped change blood donation policy. As a result, I was able to donate blood the week the new policy went into effect,” said Ralph. “It felt good. I got do something to help somebody else; to help save a life. I don’t need blood now, but maybe later on the future I might need it. It’s good that I’m able to help save a life.”
Ralph is one of countless individuals who are newly eligible to donate blood and are choosing to roll up a sleeve to help hospital patients under the FDA’s updated blood donor guidelines, which the Red Cross implemented in August. When more people can give, more patients can survive and thrive. The Red Cross is excited to welcome more healthy donors from all backgrounds to help patients in need of transfusions. You can read more about this change including stories of some of the new donors now giving blood in an interactive story map.
The holidays can be a challenging time to collect enough blood for those in need. To book a time to give, visit RedCrossBlood.org, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
To celebrate the upcoming Prime Video release, Candy Cane Lane, those that come to give blood in December will be automatically entered to win a holiday prize package, including a $1,000 Amazon.com Gift Card and 65-inch Omni QLED Series Amazon Fire TV. There will be 12 winners. Plus, those who come to give Dec. 1-17 will get a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. Terms for both offers apply. See rcblood.org/Amazon. Candy Cane Lane features an all-star cast, including Eddie Murphy and Tracee Ellis Ross, and directed by Reginald Hudlin.
Thank you, our lifesaving mission wouldn’t be possible without volunteers and donors. You can also turn your compassion into action this season by making a financial donation by visiting redcross.org/gift. A donation of any size makes a difference. We also encourage you to register to become a volunteer.
This story is part of a special series on how people responded to emerging needs in 2023 through the American Red Cross. Read our 2023 trends press release to learn more.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
Find a drive and schedule a blood donation appointment today.
