ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE APPROVES KARROW-SPONSORED BLOOD DONOR BILL

Blood donor legislation, sponsored by Assemblywoman Marcia Karrow that allows 16-year-olds to donate blood with parental consent, was approved today by the Assembly Health and Senior Services Committee.

The committee unanimously approved Karrow’s bill, A-3580, which is designed to increase blood donations throughout the State.

“It’s very appropriate and timely that the Health and Senior Services Committee passed this bill today as January has been designated as National Blood Donor Month,” stated Karrow, R-Hunterdon and Warren. “Although 60 percent of New Jersey adults are eligible to donate blood, only 2.5 percent actually donate. Hospitals and other health care institutions often find themselves facing serious shortages as the donor pool decreases. Hopefully, by expanding eligibility requirements, we’ll see an increase in much needed blood donations.”

According to the New Jersey Hospital Association, blood donations in the Garden State have not kept pace with demand. In 2007, New Jersey had to import 59,011 units of blood from other states due to lack of supply.

The New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) reports that 22 states currently allow 16-year-olds to donate blood, two of which do not require parental consent. Ten to 20 percent of whole blood collection nationwide comes from donors who are less than 20 years old. That percentage, however, is higher in states where 16-year-olds can donate blood.

“Clearly, the statistics for blood donations among the teen and young adult population throughout the U.S. is encouraging,” said Karrow. “I strongly urge parents and guardians to talk to their children about becoming donors and, most importantly, to lead by example as one donation can save up to three lives.”

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