LEAD Georgia Calls to Lift FDA’s - Gay news and Lesbian newspaper including, Local, National and International Level.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that the 1983 ban on blood donations from gay men will not be lifted. The FDA is saying that the policy can protect people from HIV infection through transfusions.

In 1983, when AIDS was spreading mainly among white gay men, the FDA decided to put a ban on all men who had had sex with other men since 1977. The reasoning for the ban in 1983 was based on the FDA’s decision that all gay men having had sex during the specified time were considered to be at higher risk of contracting and transmitting HIV and hepatitis, thus being a danger to the health of the blood recipients.

“Testing for HIV and other infectious diseases has improved enormously since 1983. The strict testing of today disqualifies blood if it is infected with HIV,” states Chuck Obina, President/CEO of LEAD Georgia.

The only exception to the screening is men newly infected within a three weeks period prior to donating. “Admittedly, this ‘window period’ during which someone can be infected with HIV and not test positive is a risk, even with the best of screening tests,” states Obina. The right approach for the FDA is to exclude anyone having engaged in risky sexual or drug behavior for a month prior to donating blood.

Joseph Mendoza, Chief Operating Officer of Lead Georgia states “the risk today of contracting HIV or hepatitis C, for example, from a blood transfusion is one in two million or less. In fact, the rates are so low, we can only do statistical models to determine the odds.”

“The policy adopted by the FDA is outdated and prevents potential donors from contributing to blood banks, despite the ongoing need for donors. What the FDA is not considering is that refusal to lift the ban and modify policy is now discrimination against the gay community,” stated Obina.

About Lead Georgia (www.leadgeorgia.org)

Lead Georgia is the largest operated CPR/First Aid and Emergency Care Training Company in Atlanta and throughout the United States. The sole mission is dedicated to educating individuals and all businesses, both small and large, with the issues and common knowledge of Saving a Life.

For More Information: Visit www.leadgeorgia.org
Or contact Chuck Obina at (404) 786-4545

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