News Release July 28, 2008

Contact:
Julie Scott

303.361.2873
Bonfils Blood Center

Rep. Gagliardi Unveils New Legislation to Secure Colorado's Blood Supply

Proposal will increase pool of eligible donors

DENVER (July 28, 2008) – State Representative Sara Gagliardi (D-Arvada) today  unveiled a new legislative proposal to lower the state’s blood donation age to 16 years-old in order to secure Colorado’s blood supply and help reduce the likelihood of shortages in the future. The announcement coincided with a blood drive at the capitol intended to help Bonfils Blood Center meet its increased summer collection goals. 

“As a nurse, I know it’s absolutely critical to have a sufficient blood supply at all times; there are individuals every day whose lives depend on it,” said Rep. Gagliardi. “If eligible 16 year-olds were added to the pool of available donors, it would help ensure the state always has a sufficient blood supply and that Coloradans receive the blood they need when they need it.” 

Current state law requires a blood donor be 18 years-old, or 17 with parental consent. If the age requirement was lowered to 16 – and the appropriate safety precautions were adopted – Bonfils Blood Center estimates that up to 2,600 additional units would be collected annually. These additional units are critical, especially during the summer when blood donations can drop as much as 20 percent. The drop in donations often coincides with an increase in demand for blood products in summer due to accidents, scheduled surgeries and medical treatments.

“We are thrilled to be working with Representative Gagliardi and other members of the House of Representatives on this important initiative,” said Jessica Maitland, Bonfils Blood Center’s vice-president of marketing and community operations. “Over 65 years, Bonfils Blood Center has helped save and enhance the lives of 9 million patients. Rep. Gagliardi’s proposed legislation gives us the opportunity to inspire a new generation of donors to commit to lifelong contributions.”

Colorado high school students are already extremely active when it comes to mobilizing blood drives and donating. Over 6,000 units were donated by eligible juniors and seniors in 2006-2007. 28 other states have already lowered the age requirement to 16 have seen a 30 percent jump in participation at high school drives.

Each week, more than 4,000 blood donors are needed to meet the needs of the community and in case of unexpected events. Exceptional demand is being placed on Colorado’s blood supply this year with the expected influx of tens of thousands of people for the Democratic National Convention.  More blood products than usual are required to meet the general needs of the community and the city’s emergency preparedness efforts.

“I hope that adults will talk with their kids about how important it is to donate blood, especially in critical times of need,” said Rep. Gagliardi. “With high demands on our health care system and increased collection goals with the influx from the DNC this summer, I urge Coloradans to donate at a Bonfils donor center or blood drive. It's a simple way to contribute, and your donation could save a life.”