Stopping the stigma: Local blood bank accepts donations from people of all identities

REHOBOTH BEACH, Del.- Earlier this year, the FDA lifted the ban on who could roll up their sleeves. Now, the playing field is leveled, so more people can donate their blood.

“This is the first time in a long time that gay individuals will be able to legitimately donate blood,” said donor, Michael Hayes.

In 1985, the FDA blocked gay men from donating blood. Fast forward 38 years, and over 40 individuals, of all different backgrounds, made their way to Camp Rehoboth, to donate to the Blood Bank of Delmarva.

“Anytime you can get 30 or more people to donate blood, that’s a great thing, because we need more than 300 people a day to donate, so we could supply 19 hospitals in the Delmarva Peninsula,” Said Tony Prado, with the Blood Bank of Delmarva.

Prado said with the lifted block on donations, everyone is given a fair shot at donating their blood– something the gay community didn’t have, just a few years ago.

“Everyone is evaluated the same. When they go to the screening, they do a stringent questionnaire– we’re going to ask some tough questions,” Prado said. “After that, in the lab, our folks are going to do their thing. They’re going work hard and they’re going to test for infectious diseases, including HIV.”

While the blood drive brought inclusivity to the Rehoboth Beach community, Hayes said he’s glad he can finally give blood, because it was long overdue.

“I’d say I’m happy that at last, I’m able to do something that I’ve been wanting to do. But I’m very upset that I wasn’t able to do so, because of the stigma ,” Hayes said.

And Camp Rehoboth’s communications manager, Matty Brown, said putting their organization on the map will hopefully bring more hopeful donors to the area.

“To bring this opportunity to Downtown Rehoboth is a wonderful step towards ensuring that everyone knows about their abilities, and donate blood,” Brown said.