Imagine, for just 2 seconds, that your life hangs in the balance and the only people that can save you from certain death, are complete strangers.

I do not have to imagine it, I live it - everyday. Instead of being a victim of a rare blood disorder or the survivor of a near death experience, I choose to be a LIVING TESTIMONY of the need for blood donors. As an advocate and spokesperson working with the nation's two largest blood collection organizations, I hope to connect donors to the lives they save through education, encouragement and open communication. Together, we can save lives, one pint at a time.


Every 2 seconds, someone requires a blood transfusion to live.

That's why "It's Hip 2 Give!"

Check out the "Are You My Type?" commercial!

Monday, June 8, 2009

West Virginia Joins the Ranks!

MORE GREAT NEWS! West Virginia, as of July 1, will allow 16 year-olds to donate blood!

Officials of the Greater Alleghenies Region and Appalachian Region of American Red Cross Blood Services, which conducts blood drives in all 55 West Virginia counties, have announced their intent to begin accepting blood donations by 16-year-olds, with parental consent, on July 1. This reflects the date when W.Va. House and Senate Bill 3083 becomes law.

The region’s action follows Governor Joe Manchin’s May 28, signing of the bill, which permits 16-year-olds to donate blood with parental consent.

Currently, a person who is 17 years of age or older is eligible to donate blood in a voluntary and non-compensatory blood program without the permission of a parent or guardian. The change will allow for someone between 16 and 17 years of age to be eligible to donate blood in a voluntary and non-compensatory blood collection program if the person obtains written permission from the person's parent or guardian.

Both Blood Services Regions will implement donation by 16-year-olds in West Virginia on the same day the bill becomes law. The Appalachian Blood Services Region, based out of Roanoke, Va., collects blood in 14 eastern and southern West Virginia counties. The Greater Alleghenies Blood Services Region, based out of Johnstown, Pa., collects blood in 41 counties in the western, central and northern counties, and the Northern and Eastern panhandles of West Virginia.

West Virginia joins more than 30 other states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands in enacting such legislation. Starr stated recent statistics indicating that 16- and 17-year-olds contribute approximately 8% of annual Red Cross blood collections.

(From the Morgan Messenger)
Posted by at 6/08/2009 10:49:00 PM

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