In 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) lifted a longstanding
ban that prevented some 4.4 million Veterans, service members and civilians
stationed in certain parts of Europe between 1980 and 1996 from donating
blood.Under the new guidelines, persons who had been ineligible because they
resided for six months or more on U.S. military bases in Germany, the
United Kingdom, Belgium and the Netherlands between 1980 and 1990, or on
bases in Greece, Turkey, Spain, Portugal and Italy between 1980 and 1996
may now be eligible.The deferral, however, is still in place for past or recent residency
or travel in some European countries. For instance, FDA guidelines do not
permit donation by individuals who have spent three months or more
cumulatively in the United Kingdom from 1980 to 1996.
Thank you. I will check it out with the red cross.