On Monday, Aug. 7, the American Red Cross began accepting blood donations from newly eligible individuals, many in the LGBTQ+ community, under the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's expanded eligibility recommendations. NCDHHS Secretary Kinsley and NCDHHS State Medical Director and Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Elizabeth Cuervo Tilson, led an effort, joined by nine other states and the District of Columbia, calling on the FDA to update this policy.
Secretary Kinsley and Dr. Tilson, along with Gov. Cooper, donated blood on Aug. 7 at the Raleigh Red Cross. The American Red Cross collects, processes and distributes about 40% of the nation’s blood supply.
Secretary Kinsley and Dr. Tilson encourage all North Carolinians, including those newly eligible to donate, to be regular blood donors. Adopting these new recommendations is the best way to ensure there is a safe and robust supply of blood. Blood must be donated from another person and cannot be manufactured. Donations help accident victims, people with blood disorders and cancer patients. Each donation can help save more than one life.
NCDHHS partnered with EqualityNC, Harmony and the LGBT Center of Raleigh on the event and invited those in Raleigh and surrounding areas to give blood alongside them. See pictures from the event below.
