A new state law could help bring in some fresh blood.
The law signed by the Governor allows 16-year-olds to donate blood in Wisconsin. Sarah Stevermer with the American Red Cross says it opens the way for a lot of potential donors, with an estimated 80,000 teens now able to give blood.
Nearly 20-percent of the blood donated to the Red Cross each year already comes from students. Stevermer says this allows them to get in the habit early on, hopefully increasing the chances that they'll continue to donate as they get older.
The previous age limit was set at 17. Students looking to donate will need signed parental consent. Stevermer says they are working to inform schools about the change, to hopefully gain some younger donors before the end of the school year.
