American Red Cross supports Senate Bill 46 
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.
On Jan. 27, 2010, Whitman testified in front of the Senate Health Committee to show support for the bill. Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels signed Senate Bill 46 into law, after it passed in both the House and Senate. 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 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.
Photo: Pictured is Governor Mitch Daniels signing the bill to allow 16-year olds to donate blood in the state of Indiana with parental consent. Pictured along with Governor Daniels are Senator Miller, Health Commissioner Larkin and representatives of the American Red Cross.
How to Donate Blood
To schedule an appointment to donate please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org for more information. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), meet weight and height requirements (110 pounds or more, depending on their height) and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. Please bring your Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID when you come to donate.
About the American Red Cross
The Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region serves northern and central Indiana and northwestern Ohio, and needs to collect about 500 units of blood a day to meet patient need in more than 60 hospitals. In addition to providing blood to our community, the American Red Cross also provides relief to victims of disaster, trains millions in lifesaving skills, serves as a communication link between U.S. military members and their families, and assists victims of international disasters or conflicts.