The Complicated Story of Gay Blood Donation: An Honest Conversation Between the Transfusion Medicine and LGBTQ+ Communities

The University Blood Initiative (UBI) has partnered with Howard Law's Chapter of the American Constitution Society (ACS) to put together a round table discussing the history and policies of the MSM Ban. The aim is to create a nuanced conversation, hence panelists from both the LGBTQ+ and transfusion medicine communities are to be invited.

UBI prides itself on being vocal on issues regarding the MSM ban, racism within the history of transfusion medicine, and many other important topics that need to be addressed. Howard’s Chapter of the American Constitution Society is uniquely interested in bringing progressive views onto our campus and educating future Howard lawyers about the rampant discrimination faced by the many marginalized groups of our society. We hope that this panel/discussion will shed new light on the challenges faced by different groups that might otherwise wish to donate blood and it will perhaps allow these future lawyers to help combat discrimination in their practice as attorneys following graduation. In addition, educate our future public servants to have a vested interest in the MSM ban and the health of our nation's blood supply.

Representatives from LBGTQ+ Community:
Jason Cianciotto-VP of Communications and Policy at GMHC (formerly Gay Men's Health Crisis)
Christian Carrier-Second Year at University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine
Christy Yates-Director of Laboratory Operations at Northwestern Medicine

Representatives from the Transfusion Medicine Community:
Dr. Craig Custer-Director of Vitalant Research Institute, VP of Research and Scientific Programs, and the Director of Epidemiology and Policy Science and Vitalant Research Institute
Dr. Richard Gammon-Medical Director of OneBlood
Dr. Kamille West-Mitchell-Chief of the Blood Services Section at the National Institute of Health's Clinical Center

Register for the Zoom Link at https://redcap.universitybloodinitiative.org/surveys/?s=D8HAFWEXWMFR4898