Comments on: Blood Drives

By: JCarlin

JCarlin — Sat, 18 Nov 2017 16:00:36 +0000

In reply to Mark Worthen. Hi Mark- The MSM rule has been modified to a one year deferral for MSM and partners. We are working on a better solution but at least the lifetime deferral is gone.

By: Clark

Clark — Wed, 07 Aug 2013 22:49:02 +0000

In reply to Mark Worthen.

Thanks, Mark. Sorry you’ve been deferred by the MSM policy. I hope you know that the ARC and AABB appealed to the CBER (a FDA & CDC joint committee) for evidence based epidemiology to drive a revision of the medical history question set in 2006. It took the administration change in 2009 for the committee to formally accept the appeal and its supporting documents and start research to guide a revision. Yes, it’s been four years. I wish they’d get on with it.

If you have a con or two you like to attend, would you consider be a blood drive volunteer, or even coordinate a drive? I understand if you’d rather not, but I’ve found that the majority of my volunteers do so because they’re deferred, but still want to help. Best wishes, and thanks again.

By: Mark Worthen

Mark Worthen — Wed, 17 Jul 2013 23:47:48 +0000

I have fond memories of meeting Robert Heinlein at the San Diego Comic-Con in either 1976 or 1977 (before he became ill and stopped doing blood drives?) at his blood drive. I was but 16 or 17 at the time yet he treated me with the same respect and appreciation as the notables present at the Con, and thanked me heartily for donating blood. I kept on donating until they wouldn’t let me anymore (the gay exception… grrrrrr).

Btw, this is a superb website! Exceptionally well-written, comprehensive, and warm-hearted. Congrats to those of you who have obviously put much time, effort, and love into its creation and development.

Mark