Many are now able to donate blood through a new inclusive screening process that expands blood donor eligibility and eliminates questions based on sexual orientation through updated FDA guidelines issued in May The American Red Cross celebrates this significant progress and also recognizes there is more work to be done to make blood donation even more inclusive.
We welcome you in our humanitarian mission. The Red Cross is committed to achieving an inclusive blood donation process that treats all potential donors with equality and respect while maintaining donor and patient safety. Training is provided for employees and volunteers to be sensitive to the needs of all potential blood donors.
With my donation today, I know that I was able to save lives. I had watched and waited for the rule to change, and it finally did. All blood donors are required to meet FDA eligibility criteria to donate blood, every time.
These eligibility criteria apply to all U. The FDA requires all potential blood donors to answer questions related to their health history before each donation.
The donation criteria and questions on the health history questionnaire are designed to ensure that the blood collection process is as safe as possible for the donors as well as for the recipients of blood. Learn more about blood donation eligibility. Health history questions are based on past and current behavior risks for example: travel, medication, sexual activity, etc.
