From: David Brereton [dbrereton@westcall.com]
Sent: Wednesday, January 17, 2001 11:10 AM
To: fdadockets@oc.fda.gov
Subject: Blood donor restrictions.

Dear Sirs,

I just read on CNN.Com that the American Red Cross is requesting that the
FDA
add some new rules to try to restrict donors who have lived in France and
other
European countries.  I realize how important it is to have a safe, reliable
blood supply in this country.  But try to keep in mind that the more hoops
you
set up for us donors to leap through, the more people will get tired of them
and stop donating their blood.

Since science still hasn't come up with a way to synthesize blood products,
I
think you should try to find ways to make it easier for people who are able
and willing and have never lived in any country other than the USA to just
walk into a donor center with a card and just give their blood without it
taking
1/2 hour just to answer all the questions the FDA now requires.

Just a thought.  Think about the current state of the diminishing blood
supply
and try to find ways to keep the blood supply safe, while also making it
easier
for the average citizen to help other people.

David Brereton
davidbrereton@home.com