GMHC Hosts "Out For Blood" A Discussion on Revising Blood Donation Guidelines for Gay Men

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contacts:
Krishna Stone | 212.367.1016

MEDIA ADVISORY

What:
Gay Men's Health Crisis will host, "Out For Blood: A community discussion on revising blood donation guidelines for gay men."

Who:

Guest Panelists:

• Val Bias, Chief Executive Officer, National Hemophilia Foundation
• James Fox, Director of Corporate Communications, New York Blood Center
• Adam Gilbert, Alumni Student Advocate, DePauw University
• Nathan Schaefer, Director of Public Policy, GMHC 

Guest Moderator:

• Marilyn Ness, Producer and Director, "BAD BLOOD: A Cautionary Tale"

When:
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
6:00 pm to 7:30 pm

Where:
GMHC
446 West 33rd Street - 7th floor
(between 9th and 10th Avenues)
NYC

Why:
Since 1985, the United States has instituted a lifetime blood donation ban on any man who has had sex with a man, even once, since 1977.  Someone who has knowingly engaged in unprotected heterosexual sex with an HIV-positive partner, however, is only banned from donation for one year.  This policy presents numerous problems for public health and scientific accuracy, and a similar policy in the UK was recently lifted after review.  Members of the bleeding disorders community and the HIV/AIDS advocacy community--including GMHC--have begun a conversation about how best to revise this policy and maintain the strictest standards of safety. 

Interviews and photo opportunities will be available.

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About GMHC:  GMHC is a not-for-profit, volunteer-supported, and community-based organization committed to national leadership in the fight against AIDS. We provide prevention and care services to men, women, and families that are living with, or affected by, HIV/AIDS in New York City. We advocate for scientific, evidence-based public health solutions for hundreds of thousands worldwide.  Our mission:  GMHC fights to end the AIDS epidemic and uplift the lives of all affected.