GLAAD, the world’s leading lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBTQ) media advocacy organization, has launched the Summer of Giving national blood drive campaign in collaboration with America’s Blood Centers, the national organization of community-based, independent blood centers that supply 60 percent of the nation’s blood supply.
This initiative follows implementation of FDA eligibility changes that promote safety, fairness, and inclusivity in the blood donation process through establishing a screening process based on individual donor assessments, not sexual orientation.
Running from Tuesday, May 28, 2024, through National Blood Donation Day on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, businesses are urged to host blood drives in support of these changes and all eligible individuals are encouraged to donate to help usher in this new era of blood donor eligibility.
About the Campaign
The Summer of Giving campaign is launching at a crucial time for the blood community and is geared toward achieving the following key objectives:
Supporting FDA’s Policy Shift: We aim to raise awareness and support for the FDA’s groundbreaking shift to individual donor assessments for blood donor screening, particularly impacting sexually active gay and bisexual men and women who have sex with them.
Encouraging Blood Donation: We encourage members of the LGBTQ+ community, allies, and younger generations to step forward and donate blood.
Diversifying the Blood Supply: We aim to increase the diversity of the blood supply, particularly among communities of color and younger generations. Currently, only 19.5% of donations come from communities of color and a majority of all donations come from individuals over 40 and 50 years old.
Long-Term Engagement: We aim to facilitate long-term engagement with newly-eligible LGBTQ+ community members and their local community blood center, further strengthening donations and future collaboration due to this pivotal policy change.
Join us in making a difference during the Summer of Giving national blood drive campaign. Support this vital cause by hosting a blood drive, donating blood, and spreading the word in your community and beyond!
The Impacts of This Change
Watch donors discuss how these recent FDA eligibility changes promote fairness and inclusivity in the donation process, allowing more people to give blood while maintaining the safety of the blood supply. Ready to join them? Find your community blood center today and make an appointment to give blood.
Have Questions About This Eligibility Change?
We can help. These FAQs provide more information about the FDA's shift to individual donor assessments. We also encourage you to contact your local community blood center with specific eligibilty questions.