Welcome to the Law360 Union Virtual Blood Drive! Let’s see if we can get 60 donations in 60(ish) days for Law360!

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the existing blood shortage in the U.S. has gotten worse. Furthermore, the American Red Cross is testing all donations for COVID-19 antibodies, so in addition to helping others, you’ll be gaining this useful info. And it’s a great way to use your volunteer days!

Here is some helpful info for first-time donors: https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/how-to-donate/common-concerns/first-time-donors.html

Here are the eligibility requirements: https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/how-to-donate/eligibility-requirements.html

Unfortunately, because of a discriminatory rule established by the FDA, men who have had sex with men in the past three months aren’t allowed to donate blood. This exclusion is hurtful to the members of the LBGTQ community, and the Red Cross has said that it “believes blood donation eligibility should not be determined by methods that are based upon sexual orientation” and is working to change the requirement.