Irish Born Blood Donor Donates on St. Patrick’s Day

Story by Mike Sagara, Volunteer Public Information Officer

Catherine Meyler, RN (retired)

Catherine Meyler began donating blood as a student nurse in Dublin, Ireland. Catherine found out that she is 0- (a universal blood type that can be taken off the shelf and transfused to anyone in a lifesaving situation). She donated a few times until she graduated and moved to the United States. She began her nursing career in New Jersey. Catherine wanted to give blood once she started her career but was deferred because she lived in Ireland. Potential blood donors were excluded from donating blood if they had been in an area overseas with outbreaks of variable Creutzfeldt-Jakob’s disease, aka Mad Cow Disease.

In alignment with previous FDA guidance, in June 2020, the American Red Cross changed and simplified deferrals at that time for individuals who spent time in certain European countries or on U.S. military bases in Europe who were previously considered to have been exposed to a potential risk of variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease. Changes made in 2020 included removing indefinite deferral for:

• Donors previously deferred for geographic risk for time spent in certain European countries.
• Donors previously deferred for time spent on U.S. military bases in Europe.
• Donors previously deferred for the use of bovine insulin. The existing deferral remains in place for the other forms of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease

In her nursing career, Catherine saw many patients who needed blood transfusions and understood the need to ensure the blood supply was readily available on the hospital shelves. Had she not been deferred, she would have donated lifesaving blood her whole career.

Catherine encourages people to donate if they are considering being a blood donor. She says that she has had a positive experience and that the blood collection staff and receptionist are all friendly and accommodating. Catherine states,” By donating blood, you do something extremely meaningful for someone else. If you are apprehensive, bring someone with you to offer support. But if you can’t, the staff at the blood collection center will be there to support you. Just do it.”

To donate blood, please go to www.redcrossblood.org or call 1-800 RED CROSS to schedule your donation time.