Commissioner Hamburg and FDA Leadership,

I am urging you to uplift the ban on gay men from donating blood and I am writing in support of Mr. Laieski's letter that was sent to FDA and HHS leadership a few weeks ago -- which may be found below. I look forward to your response and this policy being repealed.

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Dear Honorable Commissioner Hamburg,

As someone that is 19 years old, works in public safety and a young gay adult, I am writing in reference to the FDA’s ban on gay and bisexual men from donating blood.

The American Blood Centers, American Red Cross, American Medical Association, several Members of Congress and dozens of organizations have called on the Food and Drug Administration to change its policy and allow members of the gay community to donate blood to people in need. A recent study that was on Yahoo! News also found that the gay ban costs hospitals 219,000 pints of blood each year.

Furthermore, The United Kingdom and several other countries lifted their ban on members of the gay community from donating blood years ago and it is time for our country to do the same and continue to show leadership.

Myself and thousands of other members of the gay community are interested in donating blood and simply would like to save a life, however your current policy does not allow for us to do that. As several doctors, scientist and organizations have pointed out, the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) exists in every community and everyone is a potential risk. The FDA already screens donated blood to ensure sure it is as safe for the receiving party.

In conclusion, the ban on allowing gay men from donating blood is not supported by some of the largest organizations and most importantly it is decreasing our chance to save someone’s life. Please make the right decision and lift the ban on members of the gay community from donating blood.

I thank you very much for your time and all you do. I did attempt to set-up a meeting with you and your staff but unfortunately that meeting request was denied. Should you have any questions or need anything at all, please do not hesitate to contact me.

All my best,

Caleb Laieski

9-1-1 Dispatcher / Advocate for the LGBT Community

Caleb_M_Laieski@yahoo.com

cc: The White House

United States Department of Health and Human Services

[This message was sent via email and mail]

Please Note: This message was not sent on behalf of my agency and I do not represent my agency at any point in this letter. I am simply just identifying that I work in public safety and as a citizen, gay man and public safety employee, feel that this ban needs to immediately be lifted.