REHOBOTH BEACH, DE - Saturday the Blood Bank of Delmarva teamed up with CAMP Rehoboth to host a blood drive, celebrating the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) recent expansion of donor eligibility.
In 1983, a lifetime deferral policy restricted gay and bisexual men from donating blood in efforts to reduce the spread of HIV when testing was limited. It was a controversial decision that came to an end this August, where FDA protocol changed to conduct a uniform screening process for each patient, regardless of sexual identity.
The slogan "We All Bleed the Same" could be seen on dozens of shirts as the blood drive filled CAMP Rehoboth's atrium with donors of all sexual orientations ready to give back.
Matty Brown from Camp Rehoboth says it is an important step,
"This is a huge step for the LGBTQ community, as we’re moving away from discriminating against sexual orientations and more so relying on science," said Brown.
Ralph Groves from the Blood Bank of Delmarva, who himself sat down to donate, says the new donor base will help millions across the country,
"We’re adding new people in the pool, helping add to something that always has a shortage. There is always a shortage of blood. I’ve been with the blood bank for 5 years, and for 5 years, we have always had a shortage of blood," said Groves.
Groves says CAMP Rehoboth was the perfect place to celebrate the expansion, with its goal to foster and protect a community where gender identity and sexuality are respected and appreciated.
"I was here 20-25 years when it started. I've seen it get bigger and bigger and help the gay community, so it’s a great place to have it, a great space to have it, and people just enjoy it here."
The start of a new blood base in Rehoboth Beach.