In the wake of the deadliest mass shooting in US history, a need for blood sparked rumors that blood centers would be bending the rules.
Orlando's OneBlood Center, in particular, was thought to have stepped over the US Food and Drug Administration's rules, which prohibit sexually active gay men from donating blood.
However, OneBlood publicly and bluntly shot down reports, with the center's account setting the record straight.
In fact, OneBlood is doing the opposite of inviting donors, of any walk of life, to its doors.
In a report from the Orlando Sentinel, OneBlood is said to be asking donors to stop coming on Sunday.
OneBlood spokesman Pat Michaels told the Sentinel,
I've been here 13 years and never seen a response like this. The sentiment is understood and appreciated, but it's a little too much, too soon.
Had OneBlood actually made the rumored decision, it would have meant an opportunity for gay men to not be denied from helping other members of their community.
Under FDA rules, blood centers are called to "defer for 12 months from the most recent contact a man who has had sex with another man during the past 12 months."
According to the latest report from Orlando Police Chief John Mina, the shooting at Orlando's Pulse nightclub left 50 dead and over 50 injured.
Citations: Blood banks at capacity, donors urged to return in coming days (Orlando Sentinel)
