I believe in donating blood. As an Elon student, I gave blood each and every semester. To me is it one of the easiest opportunities we are given to save a life.

Though I am certainly not an expert, I know that each day across the world thousands of pints of blood are used for procedures as broad as the incidents that cause them.

Blood cannot be produced in a lab and does not last forever. The only way to ensure a supply is always ready is constant donations.

I want to give blood. But when I fell in love with my partner almost three years ago I effectively gave up my opportunity to ever give blood again.

In 1985, in response to the growing AIDS crisis the United States Food and Drug Administration banned any man who has had sex with another man since 1977 from giving blood.

To this day any man who has “sexual contact” with another man, even once may not donate blood. Even patients in need of specific blood types must wait until a “suitable match” is found.

Patients are not informed if a gay donor is found and may not make the decision to accept the blood even if they are willing to accept the health risk [if that’s what you want to call it].

We all know by now that heterosexuals are just as vulnerable to contracting HIV/AIDS as homosexuals. We also know that HIV/AIDS is an issue of protection and education and not simply a gay issue.

I could lie to the nurse and still give blood, but this is only increasing the nature of the problem.

We must stand up and fight for what we believe in but also just as importantly give blood to help save the millions of people each year who so desperately need it.

For those who have never given before, it is nothing to be scared of. For those who have given, keep giving and help others make the commitment to donate.

Elon has a rich tradition of providing the Red Cross with hundreds of pints of blood each semester. I urge to make one of the easiest donations possible, give blood and save lives.

Assistant to VP of Student Life: Brian O’Shea - 04/26/07