ATLAI\TTA

BLOOD SEBT/ICES
Give Blood. Give Life.

Memo
To: AtlantaBlood Service Staff From: Matt Orlando
Date: July A2,2013 Subject 'T.{ational Gay Blood Driveo' ABS Stafr AABB, America's Blood Centers, and the American Red Cross have informed Atlante Blood Services of the 'T',{ational Gay Blood Drive," which has been scheduled for July 12, 2A1,J. This is an event that is being scheduled by an advocacy organization not by the blood industy.
"Organizers say this event is designed to increase attention on the lifetime blood donation deferral for mer who have had sex wi& other men. Despite the name of this event, organizers of the National Gay Blood Drive understand that men who have sex with men and present to donate blood will be defened under current eligibility guidelines. " rNational Gay Blood Drive," Talking Points -June 26,2413

It is Atlanta Blood Services' goal to maintain an adequate platelet supply that is in compliance with FDA standards for the patients we help to serve. fn orderto ensure that our ability to rupply thse some patientc is not hinderedr we wiII not be .stredultng *y Xe,* booo"r on JuIy ize at either our Cobb or Norlhside loertiong. The Recruifirent Team is taking steps to ensure a full schedule on July 12e of previous donors at both ofour centers.

Ifyou

are approached:

. o

new donor contacts you to schedule an appointnent please inform them that there is a scheduled event for that day and we do not have any open appointnents. Then suggest an altemate day to schedule an appointrrent By a media outlet or otler public emtity, Please do not comment and direct them to Tammy Wright-Smith or Carrie Cox. Other inquiries, please direct to your supervisor or Carrie.

By

a potential

Regardless of our personal feelings regarding this issue, we must follow the national blood safety and eligibility guidelines sst forth by AABB and the FDA in order to stay focused on saving lives here inthe Atlanta area. If you have any questions please direct them toward your manager, who can provide you witl more details or talking points for haudling new donors attempting to donate on the 12ft of July.