A proposal from state Senator Fred Risser (D-Madison) would lower the minimum age for donating blood to include 16-year-olds. Currently, you have to be 17 or older.
Risser says blood banks can always use more blood and 16-year-olds could provide a valuable contribution. He says that age group tends to be very healthy, making them prime candidates. Risser says it would also allow a younger age group to contribute to society.
Eighteen other states already have an age limit lower than Wisconsin's for blood donations.