Canadian Blood Services reaches out to affected MSM policy communities

July 30, 2009

We openly recognize and empathize with those for whom the MSM deferral policy has a negative impact. To ensure patients receive the safest blood possible, Canadian Blood Services must make difficult decisions as to who can and cannot give blood. These decisions are based on existing scientific evidence of risk and are not intended as a reflection on any one individual.

Canadian Blood Services has the will to work towards change to the MSM deferral policy. In an effort to reach out to the communities affected by this policy, Canadian Blood Services met with several LGBTTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Two-Spirit, Queer) representatives, patient groups and other interested parties to explore ways to work together to understand the issues and promote research to inform our decision-making on the topic.

The consensus at the meeting was to establish a group that would continue to work together to promote the research agenda, look for creative ways to expand awareness and understanding of the blood program, continue to foster relationships with the LGBTTQ communities, and gain better understanding of the needs and sensitivities of sexual and gender diversity.

Canadian Blood Services continually reviews its policies to ensure they remain in the best interest of Canadians. A joint research opportunity with the Canadian Institute for Health Research has been available to the research community since March 2008 focused on three areas; donor deferral strategies and the risk of blood-borne diseases, policy development and social aspects of blood system risk, and emerging pathogens in specific populations. At this point, despite efforts to raise awareness of the existence of the grant, there have been no applications. Canadian Blood Services is taking steps, with the support of the LGBTTQ working group, to reach an even broader research community.

To find out more information about the grant, please visit the CIHR page here.

Here you will find basic information for the grant. For more detailed information you can contact Katherine Gardner at katherine.gardner@cihr-irsc.gc.ca or call 613-941-0086.

It is important to understand that Canadian Blood Services' deferral policies do not apply specifically to individuals based on their sexual orientation; our polices are in place to defer ANY individual, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, who has engaged in one or more high-risk behaviours. Moreover, every decision at Canadian Blood Services is made with the safety of the recipient as our top priority.