Law Change: 16- and 17-year-old’s to become eligible for blood donation

New legislation will take effect on July 25th that allows 16- and 17-year-old individuals to donate blood. Under SSB 5179, 16- and 17-year old individuals may donate blood in any voluntary and noncompensatory blood program after obtaining permission from their parent or legal guardian. This is an important law change that will expand the pool of eligible blood donors and help engage younger blood donors. This law also brings Washington State in line with the majority of states that permit 16- and 17-year-old individuals to donate blood with parental consent.