Dr. Chan to donate blood to mark new FDA approved donor screening process

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Department of Health Consultant Medical Director Philip Chan will donate blood on Wednesday to mark the new donor screening process.

Chan is set to donate at the Rhode Island Blood Center in Providence.

The RIBC began the new policy on Monday, following guidance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The agency is hoping the change will bring in more donors amid a decline in youth and first-time donors.

Donors will now be assessed individually, allowing gay and bisexual men to donate blood.

All donors will be asked about their number of recent sexual partners and sexual behavior, rather than sexual orientation and gender identity.

A complete list of what questions to expect can be found online.