SunCoast Blood Centers is now welcoming more donors into its lifesaving mission through revised FDA blood donation eligibility guidelines. The new guidelines eliminate longstanding broad, time-based deferrals based on sexual orientation.
Historic Change
Under this new donor screening process, all donors answer the same eligibility questions regardless of gender or sexual orientation. Donors will be assessed for blood donation based on individual risk factors, not on sexual orientation. This change eliminates the FDA’s previous policy.
SunCoast Blood Centers endorses this historic move as significant progress and remains committed to achieving an inclusive blood donation process that treats all potential donors with equality and respect while maintaining the safety of the blood supply.
Backed By Science
Years of scientific data have demonstrated that this new eligibility screening process ensures a safe blood supply in which patients can feel confident. For years, SunCoast Blood Centers, along with other blood centers throughout the country, have advocated to change the deferral policy concerning men who have sex with other men. While there are changes to the assessment process, there is no change to the stringent testing process currently in place. All blood donations undergo numerous tests to ensure the safety of ALL donated blood products.
More People Can Give Now
This change means many healthy individuals who previously could not give will now be able to support their community through the gift of blood donation. New eligibility protocols will improve the accuracy of risk assessment for all blood donors and increase the pool of eligible donors.
Learn More
SunCoast Blood Centers welcomes everyone to join this humanitarian mission. You can learn more about the FDA’s guidelines at: