Many Veterans who served in Europe can now give blood - FDA lifts ban based on overseas service |...

SFC Michael Hasbun My two youngest are all the time getting phone calls from the Red Cross to donate... I think they have "O" type.

..."Two national blood donation centers list eligibility details on their websites: Vitalant and the American Red Cross. Vitalant also welcomes donors to call their medical helpdesk to speak to a registered nurse about eligibility at [login to see] . Vitalant anticipates the change will help ease blood shortages due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“There is an urgent need for blood, platelet and convalescent plasma to provide to area hospitals, so we hope these new FDA guidelines result in previously ineligible individuals coming to donate,” said Kristen Lane of Vitalant. “COVID-19 continues to significantly impact blood drives and has put a strain on the blood supply.”

Lane said all blood types, especially type O, are needed to help ensure patients continue to have the blood they depend on for surgeries and ongoing medical treatment."...