The state’s largest single-day blood drive takes place early next month at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, but gay men won’t be taking part. Federal rules prohibit them from donating blood because of concerns about the HIV virus.
The American Medical Association and the American Red Cross oppose the ban and the federal government is reevaluating it. In Colorado, Bonfils Blood Center, which collects thousands of units of blood each year, says it’s waiting to see what the government decides.
Dr. Matt McCarthy is a physician at the Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City and has written about his opposition to the ban. McCarthy speaks with Ryan Warner.
