Donating Blood

Why Donate Blood?

Every two seconds, someone in the United States is in need of donated blood¹. About 4 million Americans receive blood each year². Donating blood is a simple, relatively painless procedure that requires a small time commitment. If you can donate blood, you'll be able to help people you don't even know.

Who Can Donate Blood?

The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) sets guidelines for blood banks, like the Red Cross on who is eligible to donate blood. Blood donors must be in good health. They must weigh at least 110lbs. They must either be 18 years old, or have parental permission if over 16. Those who are taking "over the counter" medication like cold medicine, or Tylenol, are still eligible. Those who have gotten a hepatitis B vaccine are still eligible.

Some individuals who are at higher risk for HIV infection, are asked not to donate blood, including intravenous drug users, and commercial sex workers. This is one of several steps that blood banks take to make sure no HIV+ blood is donated. Blood banks also use:

Unit Exclusion: Before giving blood, donors place one of two stickers on their donor registration cards. One sticker means that the blood should be used, the other that it should not. This is so that donors who feel they may be at risk of HIV infection can stop their blood from being used for a transfusion, without embarrassment.
Antibody Testing: The Red Cross tests a sample of every blood donation for antibodies to HIV-1 and HIV-2. This does not mean you should use blood donation as a way to find out your HIV status.

What if I'm Gay or Bi?

Here's the deal ::shrug:: If you've had sex with another guy since 1977 (which I'm well aware, is before most of you were born) then you're currently not eligible to donate blood. Blood bank volunteers screen out every guy who's had sex with another guy regardless of whether or not he's engaged in safer sex, or whether or not he's been tested for HIV. I know this sounds kind of harsh. These guidelines were written several years ago, when HIV wasn't as prevalent in heterosexual communities as it is now. Some people feel these guidelines are out of date, and the FDA may be reviewing them soon.

Sometimes it may feel like just because you're young and queer, that people expect you to become HIV+. Remember, it's your life. It's your decision. Protect yourself, and don't let things like this bring you down.

What if I'm not "out" at school?

So the blood drive is starting at your high school. How are you going to explain to your friends why you can't donate blood? Well, there isn't an easy answer to this question. Deciding how visible you want to be at school is a personal decision. But remember there are lots of reasons why people can't donate blood, and you don't have to "out" yourself over this if you don't want to. Other common reasons why people can't donate blood include recently having a cold or flu, or having low iron in their blood.

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