WTOL.com, Toledo's News Leader, News 11 | Lower age requirement attracts new blood donors
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Bethany Grayczyk, 16, donated blood for the first time. "It feels really good," she said, "I've needed blood stuff before, so it's nice to be able to give back."Updated by Kate Oatis - email
OREGON, Ohio (WTOL) - A state law went into effect this week lowering the age to give blood to 16, as long as there's parental consent.
One of the first opportunities for the younger donors to give was at a blood bank at Cardinal Stritch High School in Oregon.
Bethany Grayczyk, 16, donated blood for the first time. "It feels really good," she said. "I've needed blood... before, so it's nice to be able to give back."
The Red Cross says lowering the age requirement is a way to increase blood supplies. The fact is, they need 300 units of blood each day, and that requires 300 donors.
The Red Cross hopes these younger donors keep on giving.
"We found that as you donate at a younger age, you make it kind of a lifelong thing that you do. It's just instilled in you," said Annie Marckel with the American Red Cross.
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