16-year-olds can now give blood

A new state law will allow 16-year-olds to donate blood, starting Feb. 1, putting Rhode Island in a new majority of states – more than 30 – that have lowered the minimum donor age.
Currently, the bar is set at age 17. The change is expected to immediately expand the donor pool and boost donations at high school
blood drives across the state. The Rhode Island Blood Center has prepared new educational materials for parents and prospective donors.
“There is no physical reason that a 16-year-old who meets eligibility requirements cannot donate blood,” said Scott Asadorian, chief operating officer of the Blood Center. “We have made this adjustment to get in step with much of the rest of the nation, and to get younger people into the habit of donating blood earlier. It will allow 16-year-olds an opportunity for community service through blood donation, and provide blood recipients with additional resources for life-saving blood products.”
Across the country, Blood Center officials said, agencies have found high school drives increase collections by up to 30 percent, though no projections are being made locally as to the impact of the new policy.
Dr. Carolyn Young, chief medical officer of the Blood Bank, said that out of “an abundance of caution,” the center will be requiring 16-year-olds to weigh at least 130 pounds, rather than the usual 110. They will also have to have parental permission forms signed, which is not required of other teen donors, though some schools give forms to all students.
Permission forms for 16-year-olds are available on the Blood Center’s Web site, www.ribc.org, or at any donation location.