It is estimated that 1 in 7 people entering a hospital needs blood, yet less than 10% of eligible Americans donate blood annually. To address this critical issue, I plan to reintroduce SB678 from last session, which directs the Department of Education, in conjunction with the Department of Health, to provide instruction to 11th- and 12th-grade students about the importance of donating blood.
 
According to the American Red Cross, the daily demand for blood and blood products remains substantial, with approximately:

• 29,000 units of red blood cells,
• 5,000 units of platelets, and
• 6,500 units of plasma needed across the U.S.

Moreover, every two seconds, someone in the U.S. requires blood or platelets, highlighting the constant demand for donations.
 
This legislation would integrate blood donation education into the health courses already required in public schools, ensuring students are equipped with knowledge about the life-saving impact of blood donation and how they can contribute.
 
I invite you to join me in co-sponsoring this critical bill to promote awareness and increase participation in blood donation, addressing a need that affects millions of lives each year.
 
Prior cosponsors included Senators: FONTANA, SANTARSIERO, COSTA, SAVAL.
 

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 0583: P.L.30, No.14