Results from the study could potentially lead to a significant change in blood donor eligibility for gay men. In December, the FDA funded a study with three blood centers in the nation, Vitalant, OneBlood, and the American Red Cross. “As I’m sitting there, I am taking it personally because I’m being told about my sexual preference makes me different and that I’m classified as something else, my antibodies wouldn’t be used for what I wanted it to be used for,” Novak said. The American Journal of Managed Care reports some believe the FDA ban is based on prejudice not on fact.
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In early 2019, the FDA reduced the wait time from 12 months to 3 months for a gay man to make a blood donation after having a sexual encounter with another man. The American Red Cross, the American Blood Centers, and AABB (American Association of Blood Banks) report the country’s supply is depleting while cases continue to rise across the nation. There’s a shortage of convalescent plasma in the nation. So he created an online petition to shed light on the issue. Because I wanted them to use my antibodies,” Novak said.
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It really deeply hurt me because I wanted to be able to help. “Because I am gay and that I did answer truthfully that I was classified into something that they call men who have sex with men which is MSM,” Novak said.īut a Lexington Blood Bank told him his antibodies won’t be used towards helping other COVID-19 patients. Novak said it was his grandparent’s idea that he donate plasma. I was in agony for several days and I did recover,” Novak said. “I was diagnosed with COVID on November 2nd after finding out that my dad had it,” Novak said. Matthew Novak, 26, was told his plasma couldn’t be used to help other COVID-19 patients because he is gay. There is a nationwide shortage of convalescent plasma.According to the FDA, gay men must wait three months after having sex with another man before donating blood.Matthew Novak started an online petition to bring attention to the issue.Lexington man says his plama won't be use to help COVID-19 patients because he is gay.Newsletter: Stay safe and informed with updates on the spread of the coronavirus.Įmily West is a reporter for The Tennessean. More: 'Your local blood bank needs you': How coronavirus is affecting Tennessee's supply Nearly 2,700 Red Cross blood drives have been canceled, resulting in about 86,000 fewer donations and more cancellations are expected. An adequate blood supply also is needed in the event of car crashes and other medical emergencies. Smaller hospitals have been told by suppliers they'll be receiving 25% less blood than usual, and most hospitals have canceled some elective surgeries to stretch out their supply. The American Red Cross is urging healthy residents to make an appointment and donate blood as the country faces a “severe blood shortage” due to the coronavirus outbreak.
#WHERE CAN GAY MEN DONATE BLOOD MAP TRIAL#
This follows the completed analysis of trial results which showed no overall benefit for people in hospital with coronavirus and a decision not to proceed with a third trial into plasma use early in the disease. Previously, the rules stated for at least a year. The same guidance is also applicable to women, who have had sexual contact with a bisexual man. The Department of Health and Social Care has asked NHS Blood and Transplant to stop collecting convalescent plasma donations. While advocates have pushed for the FDA to lift rules entirely, the agency will allow gay men to give blood if they haven't had sexual contact with another man for the last three months.
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Federal Drug Administration relaxed guidelines for when gay men may give blood. Blood donation restriction impacting black donors removed in England. Exposure to HIV through medical procedures. Watch Video: Coronavirus: How vaccines are developed and testedĭuring the coronavirus pandemic and a blood shortage, the U.S. An end to the ban on gay and bisexual men from donating blood - promised by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in 2015 - is set to be recommended within weeks in favour of new screening criteria based on sexual history and behaviour.