New law says 16-year-olds can soon donate blood
From reports
The American Red Cross is excited to announce that a new law, Senate Bill 46, will encourage 16 year-olds to start a lifelong habit of donating blood.
In the past, Indiana state law was silent on the issue of 16 year-old blood donations. This allowed the Red Cross and other blood centers to collect blood from 16 year-olds with written parental/guardian consent. Thirty states, including Ohio and Kentucky , already have written laws which specifically encourage 16 year-olds to donate blood. As a result, Sharyn Whitman, CEO for the Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross, worked to see a similar law take effect in Indiana. Columbia City resident Amanda Banks was instrumental in the process as well.
The law will go into effect on July 1, and will encourage 16 year-olds to donate blood with parental consent in the state of Indiana . This means that now even more high school students can help save a life by donating blood. The American Red Cross is excited to spread awareness that blood donation is something a 16 year-old student can do to make a difference in their community.
“The Red Cross is grateful to Senator David Long and Senator Patricia Miller for the work that they did to make this bill a reality,” said Whitman. “Many of our committed donors began donating blood while they were in high school. As our donor base continues to age, it is important to educate the next group of young donors about the importance of a safe and stable blood supply.”
If you are 16 years of age and would like to donate blood, simply log-on to redcrossblood.org to find out more information. Before donating, 16-year-olds must review a few materials and have a parent or guardian sign a written consent form. This written consent form must be brought with the 16-year-old to the blood drive or donor center. High school students and other donors younger than 19-years-old also have to meet certain height and weight requirements. Please bring your Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID when you come to donate.
The American Red Cross is excited to announce that a new law, Senate Bill 46, will encourage 16 year-olds to start a lifelong habit of donating blood.
In the past, Indiana state law was silent on the issue of 16 year-old blood donations. This allowed the Red Cross and other blood centers to collect blood from 16 year-olds with written parental/guardian consent. Thirty states, including Ohio and Kentucky , already have written laws which specifically encourage 16 year-olds to donate blood. As a result, Sharyn Whitman, CEO for the Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross, worked to see a similar law take effect in Indiana. Columbia City resident Amanda Banks was instrumental in the process as well.
The law will go into effect on July 1, and will encourage 16 year-olds to donate blood with parental consent in the state of Indiana . This means that now even more high school students can help save a life by donating blood. The American Red Cross is excited to spread awareness that blood donation is something a 16 year-old student can do to make a difference in their community.
“The Red Cross is grateful to Senator David Long and Senator Patricia Miller for the work that they did to make this bill a reality,” said Whitman. “Many of our committed donors began donating blood while they were in high school. As our donor base continues to age, it is important to educate the next group of young donors about the importance of a safe and stable blood supply.”
If you are 16 years of age and would like to donate blood, simply log-on to redcrossblood.org to find out more information. Before donating, 16-year-olds must review a few materials and have a parent or guardian sign a written consent form. This written consent form must be brought with the 16-year-old to the blood drive or donor center. High school students and other donors younger than 19-years-old also have to meet certain height and weight requirements. Please bring your Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID when you come to donate.