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How this longtime Red Cross volunteer helped end the FDA’s ban on gay men donating blood
Ralph Galvan has been a volunteer with the American Red Cross for 10 years. But as a gay man, it wasn’t until last year that he was able to donate blood.
Rules the Food and Drug Administration had in place since the 1980s HIV-AIDS crisis kept sexually active gay or bisexual men from donating. To help change that policy, Galvan took part in an FDA-funded study that led to last year’s requirement changes.
“(I) felt really good and really good that, you know, we’re not on the sidelines anymore,” Galvan told CBS News. “Being part of the advance study and helping shape those things, getting rid of the policy, it’s beneficial to me, to my community.”
Guidelines are no longer based on sexual orientation and all potential donors receive the same standard donor history questionnaire.
“This is really exciting because we’re now able to ask every potential donor the same questions, treating them with equality and with respect — all while still maintaining a safe blood supply,” said Mandy McMahon, regional communications director of the American Red Cross of South Carolina.
All donated blood, even from repeat donors, is tested for hepatitis, HIV, syphilis and other transmissible diseases.
Right now, officials say there’s a critical need. Last month, the Red Cross collected 20,000 fewer donations than needed to maintain its national supply.
“Unfortunately throughout the summer months, we know that we can only expect more severe weather and record setting travel, which is gonna further impact the ability of people to come out for their appointments,” McMahon said.
Galvan is grateful he can make a difference.
“It’s a heartfelt moment that I can give now and help others,” he said.
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Kamala Harris will speak with “60 Minutes” tomorrow. Here’s what to know for the interview.
Voters will get the chance to hear from Vice President Kamala Harris on Monday as she presents her case for why she should be president in a “60 Minutes” election special.
For decades, “60 Minutes” has featured both Republican and Democratic nominees for presidents, but this year, former President Donald Trump backed out after previously indicating he would be on the show. Correspondent Scott Pelley, who’d been set to interview Trump, will instead travel to Arizona’s Maricopa County, home to more than 60% of Arizona’s voters and a critical battleground in a key swing state.
One thing is certain about the election; with the U.S. deeply involved in both the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, whoever wins on Nov. 5 will become a wartime president.
What Harris will discuss
Israel’s war started one year ago after Hamas launched a surprise terror attack and correspondent Bill Whitaker will discuss the ongoing war with Harris.
Harris will also discuss the economy, immigration, her record as vice president and the differences between herself and Trump.
Democratic vice presidential candidate Gov. Tim Walz will also appear.
Whitaker joined the Democratic ticket on the campaign trail this week to gain insight into their platform’s priorities and values, and what the candidates believe voters should know.
Why Trump pulled out of the “60 Minutes” interview
Leading up to the candidate hour, Trump, through campaign spokespeople, was the first candidate to accept the “60 Minutes” request to be interviewed for the special, according to CBS News. It had been agreed that both candidates would receive equal time during the broadcast.
Trump last sat down with 60 Minutes in 2020. He walked out during the interview with Lesley Stahl. Trump referenced the incident on Tuesday night at a Milwaukee press conference when asked about his decision not to participate in the Oct. 7 “60 Minutes” election special.
“Well, right now, I went to – they came to me and would like me to do an interview, but first I want to get an apology, because the last time I did an interview with them, if you remember, they challenged me on the computer,” Trump said. “They said the ‘laptop from hell’ was from Russia, and I said it wasn’t from Russia. It was from Hunter, and I never got an apology, so I’m sort of waiting. I’d love to do ’60 Minutes.’ I do everything.”
The Republican nominee for president emphasized that he felt he was owed an apology from “60 Minutes.”
“Let’s see if they do it. I wouldn’t mind doing 60,” Trump continued. “I’ve done ’60 Minutes’ a lot.”
In a statement on Tuesday, Trump campaign communications director Steven Cheung said that Trump’s team had not agreed to an interview.
“Fake News,” Cheung said in a post on X. “60 Minutes begged for an interview, even after they were caught lying about Hunter Biden’s laptop back in 2020. There were initial discussions, but nothing was ever scheduled or locked in. They also insisted on doing live fact checking, which is unprecedented.”
Previous Trump, Harris appearances on 60 Minutes
Trump previously sat down with “60 Minutes'” Mike Wallace in 1985, Pelley in 2015 and Lesley Stahl twice in 2016, first in July of that year and then again in November of 2016. He also spoke with Stahl again in 2018 and 2020.
Harris previously sat down with Whitaker last year. She also was interviewed by Norah O’Donnell, “CBS Evening News” anchor and “60 Minutes” contributing correspondent, in 2020.
How to watch the “60 Minutes” election special
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