Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SALT LAKE CITY (Aug. 7, 2023) — Acting on new guidelines issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the American Red Cross is announcing a significant milestone in its commitment to equality, inclusivity and security of the nation’s blood supply. A revised blood donor process begins today with the introduction of the Individual Donor Assessment (IDA) screening, a step toward a safe and more inclusive blood supply.
Under the new FDA guidelines, all potential donors – regardless of sexual orientation, sex, or gender – will be screened with a revised questionnaire that evaluates individual risk for HIV based on sexual behavior, recent partners, and other factors. The IDA ends decades-old FDA policy requiring gay men to abstain from sex for three months prior to donating and instead focuses on risk factors.
"The Individual Donor Assessment approach marks a pivotal shift toward a more inclusive and equitable blood donation policy,” said Heidi Ruster, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region. “This is a positive step toward meeting the critical need for a secure, diverse blood supply, while emphasizing safety and inclusion for all.”
Salt Lake resident Chris Van Bibber will be among the first gay men to donate blood under this new policy, today, 10:15 a.m., at the Salt Lake Red Cross Blood Donation Center, 6616 South 900 East, Murray. The media is invited to attend. Van Bibber and Red Cross officials will be available for interviews.
“This cause is close to my heart, as my mother received a blood transfusion during childbirth,” said Van Bibber. “I'm proud to honor her by giving back to the community. Being able to contribute after all these years is not just a personal achievement, but a collective step forward for inclusivity and equality.”
The Red Cross has supported changing the deferral policy concerning sexually active gay men, supported by decades of data collection and assessments to improve transfusion safety. The Red Cross has also been an ongoing advocate for eliminating donor questions based on sexual orientation and was a leading contributor to the FDA-funded study that led to changes in donor eligibility. "We need individuals like Chris who feel strongly about donating blood,” said Ruster. “These new donors can help us with the current donation slump that could strain our nation’s blood supply.”
Along with its industry partners, the Red Cross uses many layers of safety to help protect the blood supply and health of our valued donors, including eligibility screening and rigorous testing performed on each donation. To ensure every unit is safe for transfusion, each donation is tested for HIV, hepatitis B & C, and other transfusion-transmitted agents. “Patients can feel confident and trust that the blood they receive is safe,” Ruster said.
Make an appointment today and help prevent a looming blood shortage
Nationwide, the Red Cross is experiencing a shortfall of more than 50,000 donations in May and June, leading to a strain on the blood supply. The Red Cross plays a vital role in supporting the nation's blood supply, providing approximately 40% of the blood collected across the country.
Use the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment. Donors of all blood types are need; however, there’s an urgent need for type O negative, type O positive and type B negative blood. Donate blood in August and get a $10 e-gift card to a movie theater of your choice. Details available at RedCrossBlood.org/Movie.
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 visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
