New Law A Day: 16 Now OK To Donate Blood

I usually don't point out the sponsors behind the "new laws" featured in this series, but today's spotlight featured the work of several local lawmakers, including St. Rep's Gerald McCormick and Jo Anne Favors, along with St. Sen's Andy Berke and Bo Watson.

Joe Gives BloodIt's a pretty basic law. Basically, if your 16-years old, you can now donate blood with the consent of a parent or guardian. The new law also allows children under the age of 16 to be blood donors when a medical necessity exists within the person's immediate family. Those younger than 16 also need parental or guardian consent and written consent from their physician.

I mention this today because Blood Assurance put out an alert that they are in critical need of "O-" blood.  The regional blood center currently has less than one day's supply of "O-" negative blood.  Those with "O-" are asked to donate at the downtown Blood assurance office or one of the 46 other Blood Assurance facilities in the region.