Pennsylvania Lowers Blood Donation Age
The minimum age for blood donation in Pennsylvania will be lowered from 17 to 16 years old as of Jan. 20, 2008.
A bill allowing 16-year-olds to donate blood with parental permission was signed into law by Gov. Ed Rendell in November 2007.
Fourteen other states, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands allow 16-year-olds to donate blood. There is no maximum age limit.
In addition to parental permission, young donors also must meet the following general donation guidelines:
- Weigh at least 110 pounds
- Not have donated blood in the last eight weeks (56 days) or have donated double red cells in the last 16 weeks (111 days)
- Are “healthy” (meaning they feel well and can perform normal activities or, if they have a chronic condition, are being treated and have the condition under control)
Lowering the minimum age will increase the blood donor pool and the supply of donated blood in the region, according to the American Red Cross.
For more information about donating blood, visit the American Red Cross website.
Last Updated: 12/28/2007