FDA Expands Blood Donation Eligibility for Those Who Lived or Served Overseas
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has updated blood donor eligibility rules, allowing more people to safely donate blood. The new regulations eliminate previous deferrals that restricted individuals who had lived or served in certain countries from donating.
The FDA has officially removed the deferral for donors who spent time in the United Kingdom, France, or Ireland, determining that there is no longer a risk of transmitting Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (also known as mad cow disease) through blood transfusions.
Additionally, those who lived on U.S. military bases in Europe from 1980 to 1996 and in France or Ireland from 1980 to 2001 are now eligible to donate blood.
“We are excited to welcome blood donors who may have been deferred from donating in the past,” said LifeSouth District Director Sharon Carpenter. “Blood donations are needed now to make sure our local hospitals have the blood needed to treat patients.”
Blood donors who were previously deferred for living in or traveling to the UK, France, Ireland, or U.S. military bases in Europe are encouraged to come in and donate.
Special February Blood Donation Incentives
This month, LifeSouth is offering special thank-you gifts to all blood donors:
🩸 $25 e-gift card + canvas tote for all blood donors
🩸 $45 e-gift card for platelet and double red cell donors
To schedule an appointment or learn more, visit LifeSouth.org.
Meet LifeSouth’s New Regional Manager
LifeSouth is also pleased to announce Karisa Gardner as the new Regional Manager for the Columbus area. The community is invited to stop by, donate blood, and meet Karisa.
If your business, school, church, or organization would like to host a blood drive, contact Karisa at 762-262-0036.
About LifeSouth
LifeSouth is a nonprofit community blood center serving hospitals in Georgia, Florida, Alabama, and Tennessee. Every donation helps save lives in local hospitals and communities.
Now is the time to give blood and make a difference! ❤️🩸