AHA urges FDA to finalize new blood donor eligibility guidance

AHA today applauded and urged the Food and Drug Administration to finalize its draft guidance proposing that blood donor eligibility be determined based on individual risk assessment, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. AHA said the changes would increase the blood supply essential to hospital and health system care and bolster the field’s efforts to encourage blood donation.
 
“In addition, we urge the FDA and the Department of Health and Human Services to develop public-facing messaging related to this significant policy change, in coordination with health care provider and LGBTQ+ communities, to raise awareness of the importance of blood donation and provide education about the new policy.”