Gay Blood Ban Still in Effect in Orland

Jun 12 2016

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Following the mass shooting at an Orlando gay bar early Sunday morning, which left at least 50 dead and more than 50 wounded, OneBlood, an Orlando blood center, posted an urgent request for O-, O+ and AB plasma donors.

Urgent need for O Neg, O Pos and AB Plasma donors following a mass shooting in Orlando call 1.888.936.6283 or click. https://t.co/4bf6aA1lMS

— OneBlood (@my1blood) June 12, 2016

The community has responded, with people lining up around the block to donate.

Breaking: A walk through the line at OneBlood Orlando with donors filing out onto the parking lot #PrayForOrlando pic.twitter.com/4oW24pGHvF

— UCF Knight News (@UCFKnightNews) June 12, 2016

While there have been reports that OneBlood lifted the restrictions on gay and bisexual men donating blood, the organization refuted the claim, tweeting: "FDA guidelines remain in effect for blood donation. There are false reports circulating that FDA rules were being lifted. Not true."

All FDA guidelines remain in effect for blood donation. There are false reports circulating that FDA rules were being lifted. Not true.

— OneBlood (@my1blood) June 12, 2016