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The FDA bans gay and bisexual men from donating blood. But efforts are underway to change this

The Red Cross says it’s experiencing its worst blood shortage in more than a decade.

Last month, Arizona-based Vitalant said it was dealing with a two-year low blood supply. It’s in this context that Arizona Congressman Greg Stanton is calling on the Food and Drug Administration to end the policy of not allowing men who have sex with men to donate blood. 

Jimmy Thomason is executive director of Aunt Rita’s Foundation, a Phoenix-based group with the goal of ending HIV and AIDS.

The Show spoke with to learn his reaction to Stanton's aims.

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Mark Brodie is a co-host of The Show, KJZZ’s locally produced news magazine. Since starting at KJZZ in 2002, Brodie has been a host, reporter and producer, including several years covering the Arizona Legislature, based at the Capitol.