http://ozarkspub.vo.llnwd.net/o37/KSMU/audio/mp3/bloodsuppl_107.mp3
The blood supply in Missouri has increased due to a new law that took effect last August. Michele Skalicky has more.
Missouri's two largest independent blood providers say a new statute that was passed by legislators during the 2005-2006 legislative session has increased blood donations.
The law allows 16-year-olds to give blood with written authorization from their parents or guardians.
Chris Pilgrim, spokesman for the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks says donations there have significantly increased
According to Pilgrim, the increase in donations couldn't have come at a better time. He says the need for blood has increased at the hospitals the CBCO serves
It's estimated that about 20% of the blood donations the CBCO receives comes from high school and college-age donors.
Pilgrim says encouraging people to give at an early age will hopefully have a positive impact on the blood supply down the road
To find out how to give, call the CBCO at 227-5000 or go to cbco.org.
