In the last week, national advocacy groups have been vocal about urging the FDA to change the policy. That restriction was shortened from 12 months when the pandemic began in 2020. But the current shortage has also renewed a call to lift restrictions on gay and bisexual men to donate blood.Īccording to FDA policy, men who have sex with men have to remain celibate for three months before donating blood to prevent HIV transmission. The Red Cross says the shortage is partly due to a decrease in donors since the COVID-19 pandemic began. At times, as much as one-quarter of hospital blood needs are not being met.' The organization called the shortage a crisis and the worst in more than a decade.Īccording to a release, 'in recent weeks, the Red Cross had less than a one-day supply of critical blood types and has had to limit blood product distributions to hospitals. MILWAUKEE - Last week the Red Cross announced a national blood shortage that could put patients at risk.
