Skip to main content

Military Health System

Test of Sitewide Banner

This is a test of the sitewide banner capability. In the case of an emergency, site visitors would be able to visit the news page for addition information.

"Mad Cow" Blood Donor Ban Lifted

Image of Graphic of blood donation from Armed Services Blood Program. Welcome back, blood donors! The Food and Drug Administration has recently updated its guidelines, and Armed Services Blood Program blood donors who were once deferred for geographic risk factors related to vCJD, commonly known as “Mad Cow” disease, or for the receipt of a blood transfusion in the U.K., France or Ireland during certain periods of time, may now be eligible to donate, provided they meet all other eligibility requirements. (Jonathon Davis, MHS)

A decades-old blood donor ban was recently lifted by the Food and Drug Administration, potentially increasing the nation's blood supply by hundreds of thousands of donors each year.

Since the 1980s, the existence of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, referenced as vCJD and otherwise known as the "Mad Cow" disease, banned many potential donors from donating blood—in particular, those who have served in or traveled to certain countries in Europe.

In 2020, the FDA lifted the vCJD disease travel deferral for the majority of affected European countries, but it wasn't until May 2022 that it was determined to be safe enough to lift the ban for the U.K., France, and Ireland.

Now, with lifting of the ban, the Armed Services Blood Program wants to see an increase in donors with "thousands of military members and their families who had been excluded from being able to donate blood because of geographical travel or military assignment now being eligible to donate," said U.S. Navy Capt. Leslie Riggs, division chief of the ASBP.

According to the FDA, most individuals who were once deferred should now be eligible to donate blood, assuming they meet all other donor requirements.

Riggs said that "standard procedures are in place to assure that donors are healthy at the time of donation and serve as an effective safeguard against collecting blood or blood components from a donor after the onset of clinical symptoms of vCJD. Blood safety is always our top priority."

Riggs added that everyone should consider donating blood, if they are eligible.

"Blood is the most precious gift that anyone can give to another person—the gift of life," he said. "A decision to donate your blood can save a life, or even several if your blood is separated into its components—red cells, platelets and plasma— which can be used individually for patients with specific conditions."

What is the Armed Services Blood Program?

Since 1952, the ASBP has been tasked with ensuring the safety of the military's blood supply. As the official blood program of the U.S. military, the ASBP's mission is to provide quality blood products and support to military health care operations worldwide, according to Riggs. As a joint operation within the Defense Health Agency, the ASBP collects, processes, stores, transports, and distributes blood products to service members, their families, retirees, and veterans worldwide.

Seventy-two years ago, the ASBP was established under President Harry Truman and became a fully operational blood program by 1962. "Our decades-long mission of providing lifesaving support for our warfighters carries on today," said Riggs. Along with the American Red Cross, America's Blood Centers, and the Blood Centers of America, the ASBP is one of four organizations that ensure the nation has a safe blood supply.

If you are interested in donating blood or checking your eligibility, visit militaryblood.dod.mil to locate a military blood donor center near you.

You also may be interested in...

January is National Blood Donor Month

Video
1/5/2023
January is National Blood Donor Month

Blood is being collected to be shipped out all over the world and we have Army, Air Force, Navy and DOD civilians acting as the local community. Now more than ever, especially in the pandemic, we need to donate and give blood as there has been a shortage of blood donors. What better time than on National Blood Donor Month?

Disasters Don't Wait, Donate Blood Today

Video
5/18/2022
Disasters Don't Wait, Donate Blood Today

When a disaster strikes, blood is needed immediately, there is no time to wait for donations. Donate today, to prepare for tomorrow. Find where you can donate blood through the Armed Services Blood Program. One donation can save up to 3 lives. https://www.militaryblood.dod.mil/

How Blood Saved My Life: Travis Mills’ Story

Video
4/12/2022
How Blood Saved My Life: Travis Mills’ Story

Wounded Warrior Travis Mills, a quadruple amputee, talks about his battlefield injuries and why donating blood to the Armed Services Blood Drive Program is so important.

Why I Donate Blood: A Conversation with Purple Heart Veteran Sgt Russ Himmelberger

Video
4/5/2022
Why I Donate Blood: A Conversation with Purple Heart Veteran Sgt Russ Himmelberger

CSM Michael Gragg, DHA Senior Enlisted Leader, sit downs with retired Sgt Russell Himmelberger, to talk about his service, his injury during OIF, and why he donates blood to the Armed Services Blood Program.

Will CSM Gragg Conquer His Fear of Donating Blood?

Video
3/29/2022
Will CSM Gragg Conquer His Fear of Donating Blood?

Will DHA Senior Enlisted Leader, CSM Michael Gragg conquer his fear of donating blood? Watch as CSM Gragg and his wife Rusita attend a blood drive. One donation saves three lives!

Please Donate Blood!

Video
2/18/2022
Please Donate Blood!

Lieutenant General Place and CSM Gragg discuss the importance of Blood Donation. Go to www.militarydonate.com to find a donation location in your area.

ASBP "Ready, Set, Donate" 2022 Campaign

Video
1/24/2022
ASBP "Ready, Set, Donate" 2022 Campaign

The Armed Services Blood Program launches its "Ready, Set, Donate" campaign in 2022.

Donate Blood: It's Mission Critical

Video
4/21/2021
Donate Blood: It's Mission Critical

The pandemic has affected nearly every part of our lives, including reductions in blood donations. Find a military blood donor center today to donate blood in a safe environment where we take all precautions against COVID-19.

MHS Minute: A Call to Action for Convalescent Plasma Donation

Video
8/24/2020
MHS Minute: A Call to Action for Convalescent Plasma Donation

Have you recovered from COVID-19, or tested positive for antibodies? Consider donating convalescent plasma. For eligibility requirements, and to find a donor center near you, go to https://www.militaryblood.dod.mil/Donors/COVID-19andBloodDonation.aspx

Moments in Military Medicine: Blood Donations on the Battlefield

Video
2/4/2020
Moments in Military Medicine: Blood Donations on the Battlefield

Since January was National Blood Donor Month, learn more about the history of blood donations on the battlefield and the incredible work of the Armed Services Blood Program (ASBP).

Walking Blood Bank Can Save Lives on the Battlefield

Video
10/31/2019
Walking Blood Bank Can Save Lives on the Battlefield

The medics of 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division are learning a life-saving measure that was first used in the Korean War 69 years ago -- whole blood transfusion on the battlefield.

Armed Services Blood Program Thanks Their Donors

Video
1/21/2016
Armed Services Blood Program Thanks Their Donors

Since 1962, the Armed Services Blood Program has served as the sole provider of blood for the United States military. As a tri-service organization, the ASBP collects, processes, stores and distributes blood and blood products to Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and their families worldwide.

Page 1 of 1 , showing items 1 - 12
Refine your search
Last Updated: November 10, 2022
Follow us on Instagram Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Follow us on YouTube Sign up on GovDelivery