** Updating this with link to today's FDA statement:
https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-covid-19-update-fda-provides-updated-guidance-address-urgent-need-blood-during-pandemic
Dear colleagues,
Please join us in urging the FDA to eliminate the discriminatory, stigmatizing, and unscientific ban of men who have sex with men from donating blood and plasma. We agree with GLAAD and many other community advocates and organizations supporting the use of risk-based screening policies, as has been implemented safely and effectively in other countries. Today's FDA decision to reduce the waiting period from 12 to 3 months does not go far enough - we need a complete elimination of this ban.
Please read and sign onto the letter HERE.
Please share widely!
In solidarity,
Deborah Cohan, MD, MPH and Monica Hahn, MD, MPH
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Carolyn Chu, MD, MSc, AAHIVS, FAAFP
University of California - San Francisco
San Francisco General Hospital
San Francisco CA
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