Bill would lower blood donation age to 16 in Minnesota Eds: APNewsNow. Will be updated.

AP Photo MNROC101 MINNEAPOLIS (AP) Joe Gibson was ready to bleed for people who needed his help. When he found out he was too young to donate blood, he went to the Legislature to win the right.

The 16-year-old Blooming Prairie High School sophomore wants the state to lower its legal age for blood donors from 17 to 16. He plans to be at the state Capitol Thursday when the House votes on a bill that would do just that.

If it becomes law, Minnesota would join more than a dozen states that either already have laws allowing 16-year-olds to donate or are working to lower the minimum legal age. The change has become popular in recent years as hospitals face a growing demand for blood.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 03-12-08 1733CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list