Oct 3, 2009 1:33 pm US/Mountain
Colorado Lowers Age For Blood Donation
Written by CBS4 Special Projects Producer Libby Smith
WESTMINSTER, Colo. (CBS4) ―
This fall a new law went into effect allowing 16-year-olds to donate blood with parental consent. Gov. Bill Ritter signed the bill in June and the first donations by 16-year-olds were made in August.
"We're always looking for ways to grow the existing donor base," said Jessica Maitland, spokesperson for Bonfils Blood Center.
At a recent blood drive at Westminster High School, several 16-year-olds were making their first blood donation.
"I wanted to do something productive with my life," said Kieu Pham, 16, a first-time blood donor.
Anissa Lassek had her 16th birthday just days before the drive, making her just eligible to donate.
"Because it goes for a really good cause and I know people that have friends that are in the hospital that need blood transfusions and so anyway possible that I can help I want to," she told CBS4.
For the first time ever, 16-year-olds will be eligible to donate at Drive for Life. That's the state's largest single day blood drive that Bonfils Blood Center holds in conjunction with the Broncos. Bonfils hopes to turn this younger donor base into lifelong volunteers.
"Blood donation is such a simple way to volunteer to support your community," Maitland added.
Additional Resources:
Drive for Life XII is scheduled for Tuesday, October 13th at Invesco Field at Mile High. The drive will run from 8am to 6pm and include autographs from Bronco players, free stadium food, and a variety of giveaways and entertainment. For the first time this year Bonfils will be offering blood typing and double red cell donation opportunities in addition to traditional blood donations.
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