Bill > HB1943

This bill aims to increase awareness of blood donation among high school students by amending existing education regulations. Specifically, the bill encourages schools serving students in grades 9-12 to include instruction about blood donation awareness in at least one health class required for graduation, starting in the 2025-26 school year. The instruction can be provided by national organizations focused on blood donation, such as the American Red Cross, America's Blood Centers, and Bloodworks Northwest. The legislature recognizes that educating students about blood donation can help address the growing need for a reliable and diverse blood supply, empowering students to become future donors by teaching them about the life-saving impact of donation, eligibility requirements, and opportunities to participate in donation programs. The bill also allows schools serving kindergarten through eighth-grade students to offer similar age-appropriate instruction, and schools can provide this instruction directly or arrange for it through community-based providers, with no requirement that it be taught by certificated instructional staff.