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Canadian Blood Services

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Most Canadians Support Lifting LGBTQ Blood Ban: Poll

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A new poll by Narrative Research shows the majority of Canadians support lifting the ban on blood donations from gay and bisexual men.

Health Canada approved Canadian Blood Services’ request to eliminate the three-month wait period for gay and bisexual men to donate blood and plasma.

The organization will screen all donors based on higher-risk sexual behaviours, regardless of gender or sexuality by Sept. 30.

Of those surveyed, 59 per cent support the policy change, while fewer than two in 10 — 17 per cent — oppose the decision. One-quarter of respondents — 14 per cent — neither supported nor opposed the change and 10 per cent offered no opinion.

While support for the policy change increases with household income and education, the trend seems to be the reverse for age groups, with 23 per cent of baby boomers more likely to oppose lifting the ban.

Narrative Research found overall support for the policy is consistent across the provinces and genders, but women were more likely to feel more strongly about their support than men.

A total of 1,230 Canadians aged 18 and older participated in an online survey between June 27 to 29.

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Blood Donations Still Needed

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Canadian Blood Services is thanking everyone for giving the gift of life, especially during COVID-19, but stress the need for donations never ends.

This is National Blood Donor Week.

Territory Manager Steve Raizen says now that hospital operations are returning to normal levels, there is a need for more blood.

The nearest site to donate is Winnipeg and appointments must be made ahead of time due to coronavirus precautions.

Raizen notes they welcome donors with every blood type, especially O negative as that’s the most universal.

Raizen stresses people have been generous with donations throughout the pandemic.

“From mid-March to the end of April when the impacts of the pandemic began. We recorded a 20% year-over-year increase in first-time donors joining Canada’s lifeline which is amazing.”

For more information visit https://www.blood.ca/en