16-year-olds now eligible to donate blood

STAFF REPORT

The local American Red Cross is launching a campaign to encourage 16-year-old high school students to start a lifelong habit of donating blood.

A bill signed into law by Gov. Ted Strickland on July 6 made 16-year-old state residents eligible to donate blood beginning today with written parental or guardian consent. Residents older than 16 may donate without parental permission.

This means that more high school students can help to save a life and make a difference in their communities by donating blood, said Christy Chapman, communications manager for the Northern Ohio Region of the American Red Cross Blood Services. The Red Cross collects 18 percent to 20 percent of its blood from high school and college students, she said.

Before donating, 16-year-olds must review a few materials and have a parent or guardian sign a written consent form which they must bring to the blood drive or donor center. These materials and donor form can be found on the Northern Ohio Blood Services Region Web site, redcrossdonor.org, Chapman said.

Individuals who are age 17, weigh at least 110 pounds and are in general good health may be eligible to donate blood.

High school students and other donors younger than age 19 also have to meet certain height and weight requirements. People should bring their Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive identification when they come to donate. To schedule an appointment to donate, call (800) 448-3543 or visit redcrossdonor.org for more information.

The Northern Ohio Region serves 19 counties and needs to collect about 900 units of blood a day to meet patient needs in 57 hospitals.