L.A. Care Health Plan, the largest publicly operated health plan in the country, is hosting an American Red Cross blood drive during Pride Month in recognition of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) relaxing its restrictions on gay men donating blood. In April 2020, in the wake of a critical blood shortage due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the FDA reduced the deferral period for men who have sex with men (MSM) from one year to three months.
L.A. Care also wants people to know that Los Angeles is one of eight cities across the country participating in a pilot study with MSM that could lead to even greater donor eligibility for gay and bisexual men.
The pilot is the ADVANCE Study, which stands for Assessing Donor Variability and New Concepts in Eligibility, kicked off last month and is still looking for participants. The pilot, funded by the FDA, will determine whether a donor history questionnaire based on individual risk would be as effective as the time-based referral in reducing the risk of HIV in the blood supply. Increasing the number of people who can donate blood safely will help save many lives.
The Red Cross staff continues to follow follow strict safety protocols, including holding the drive in a large conference room, to allow for social distancing.
The American Red Cross will be at:
L.A. Care Health Plan
1055 West 7th Street, Los Angeles, Room 100
Tuesday, March 23
9:30 am to 3:30 pm.
Media welcome 10:00 am – Noon
Sign up to donate here.
You can sign up for the ADVANCE Study in Los Angeles here.