After extensive changes, including updating computer systems and donor history questionnaires, Blood Assurance is now welcoming many gay and bisexual individuals who want to donate blood.
Blood Assurance is now basing its donor screening criteria on individual risk behaviors rather than sexual or gender identity. The reform comes after a yearslong effort by blood centers, stakeholders in the LGBTQ+ community and the Food and Drug Administration.
All potential donors will now be asked if they’ve had new or multiple sexual partners over the last three months.
If they respond affirmatively, they’ll be asked if they’ve engaged in anal intercourse with any of their partners. If the answer is yes, they will be deferred for three months.
Individuals in longer-term relationships with one partner will no longer be deferred.
In 1983, the Food and Drug Administration instituted a lifetime deferral on blood donations for gay and bisexual men in order to reduce the risk of HIV in the blood supply. In 2015, the FDA revised the policy to a one-year deferral since last sex between men. In 2020, the deferral was revised again to a three-month deferral since last sex between men. The current changes were adopted earlier this year.
Those interested in donating can visit www.bloodassurance.org/schedule, call 800 962-0628, or text “BAGIVE” to 999777 to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins will be accepted.
Source: Blood Assurance
East Ridge getting fast charging stations
EPB will install two fast chargers with two charging ports each at its substation in East Ridge at the corner of Camp Jordan Parkway and Lenora Road. The site is funded by a grant from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation and the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Fast Charge TN Network.
New EV fast chargers will be located on EPB’s property with capacity to charge a maximum of four EVs at one time. The property offers a convenient location near area destinations for residents, commuters and travelers.
Each direct current fast-charging station will charge most EVs up to 80% in approximately 40 minutes.
EPB expects work to begin in early 2024 and to have the chargers ready for public use by the end of August. EPB will also provide wayfinding signage so EV drivers can easily locate the stations.
Source: EPB
City seeking volunteers, ideas for Day of Service
The city of Chattanooga is seeking service project proposals and volunteers for its 12th annual MLK Day of Service, a day that’s dedicated to Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life and to serving the community. The 2024 event will be organized in coordination with the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and will be held Jan. 15. It will kick-off at Maclellan Gym at 8 a.m.
Organizations can register service projects and sign up to volunteer at cha.city/MLK.
Past projects have included neighborhood cleanups, tree-planting and school improvement initiatives. Service projects will begin at 9 a.m. and will be followed by the MLK Day Parade.
Contact Vanessa Jackson at vjackson@chattanooga.gov for more information.
Source: City of Chattanooga
Northshore banner qualifications open
In August, River City Company announced a new program for community artists to assist with the redesign of the downtown banners across their districts. Over 50 artists have applied for the first and second call for the Southside and Riverfront Districts. River City Company is now calling for artists to submit their qualifications to be considered for the third district to receive a refresh – the Northshore District.
River City Company has operated the downtown banner program since 2009 with the goal of welcoming downtown residents and visitors to each unique district and accentuating Chattanooga’s various streetscapes.