COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Gov. Ted Strickland signed legislation into law on Tuesday that will allow 16-year-olds to donate blood beginning within the next school year.
High school blood drives and the 17-year-old students who donate provide a significant amount of blood to the supply in Ohio.
14 percent of all donated blood comes from that age group, according to the American Red Cross in Ohio.
It is estimated that with 16-year-old children donating, they will add 10,000 units to the pool.
One unit of blood can impact three lives.
The American Red Cross needs those donations. Officials said on Wednesday, their supply was down by 600 units, which is considered a low level.
But blood drives at the beginning of the school year might not allow the 16-year-olds to donate immediately. The agency is working on drawing up the right paperwork and preparing the right education for the younger group of donors.
"I'm a parent and I would want to make sure my kid was safe. We would want to make sure they have 100 percent level of comfortability," said Mike Farley, a parent.
While they wait for the 16-year-olds to be able to give, the group is asking for donors.
Anyone interested can call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE.
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