Dear Gigabyte,

This repeats many points in the below post, but it bears repeating.  The policy of the Red Cross is that if you have had sexual contact with someone who has taken money for sex in the last 6 months, you are disqualified from donating blood, no matter how rare your blood type.  Unless you choose to ignore their policy and lie to them during the screening questions, they will not take your blood.

I agree with this policy, I don't feel that it is fair to knowingly expose others to the higher risks that we take on as hobbyists and providers.  Of course this is your own personal decision, but I would urge you to donate time or money to the cause, not your blood.

Furthermore, while blood is always needed in the United States, news reports show that the strain on the blood supply will not be nearly as high as was first predicted, due to the cruel efficiency of the destruction.  I don't believe the need for blood at this time is so urgent that safety policies should be ignored, nor has the Red Cross lifted any screening restrictions in the face of this tragedy.

I know your heart is in the right place, and everyone has the itch to do something proactive to help, but as a hobbyist or provider, please consider other ways to contribute, such as monetary donations or volunteering.

Sincerely,
iceman

Re:Does being a hobbiest prevent you from donating blood?

I donated blood many times before I became a hobbyist, but because I will truthfully answer all their questions I cannot donate because they ask if in the last year have you paid for sex.  Even though I always practice safe sex, shit can happen.  Aids and hepititis can take 6 mos to a year to detect. You might think that you're helping the people now, but what about in 1,2 or three years from now. I still think about donating and just lying for that question because I do want to help, but I always back out.

 Just my two pieces of copper.  

  2strk

Can't you simply tell a lie in this case, only about paying for it, certainly not about practicing safe sex or failing to do so. I would disclose the nature of all the activity, & the fact that I've been with a large number of women in non-exclusive encounters.  Isn't that really what they're looking for?  It's been a while since I gave blood & I wasn't an active hobbyist back then, so I really don't remember what all the questions were.  I'd like to know, because I was ready to do it until I heard that the immediate need was pretty much handled for the present.  My own blood type is fairly common, & because I understand blood only lasts a few weeks I thought perhaps it would be of more good if I delayed a while.  Perhaps I need to get more information & give it more thought.