Morning Edition

What the national blood shortage means for Minnesota

A man offers a thumbs up after giving blood.
Times have changed and so have the FDA guidelines for blood donation. Take the example of the new regional CEO, Brice Johnson, who was deferred because of an extended period living in Europe. FDA guidelines meant he couldn't donate due to the risk posed by vCJD, the virus associated with “mad cow” disease. Monday, Brice celebrated being able to donate with help from phlebotomist Sam Burckhard.
Courtesy of American Red Cross