How Old Do You Have to Be to Donate Blood in Maryland?
Learn how age, consent, and documentation requirements shape blood donation eligibility in Maryland for younger donors.
Donating blood is a vital way to support public health, particularly when supplies are low. Each state establishes its own eligibility rules, with age being a primary factor.
For those considering donating blood in Maryland, understanding the state’s specific age requirements is the first step.
Maryland Age Threshold
In Maryland, individuals generally must be at least 17 years old to donate blood without needing permission from a parent or guardian. This standard aligns with practices in many other states and reflects guidelines aimed at ensuring the safety of the nation’s blood supply.
State law, specifically Maryland Health – General Code section 20–101, permits 17-year-olds to donate blood to voluntary, unpaid programs based on their own consent.1Maryland General Assembly. Maryland Health – General Code § 20-101 This recognizes their ability to make this decision independently.
Parental Authorization
While 17-year-olds can donate on their own, Maryland law allows 16-year-olds to donate blood if they have consent from a parent or legal guardian. This provision, found in Maryland Health – General Code section 20–101(b), enables younger individuals to contribute while ensuring parental oversight.
The law specifies that parental consent for 16-year-olds “may be obtained via telephone or electronic means,” offering flexibility beyond requiring a physical signature. Blood donation centers typically provide specific consent forms that parents or guardians must complete close to the donation date.2Luminis Health. Blood Donor Parental Consent Form A new form may be needed for each donation until the donor turns 17.
Proof of Eligibility
Prospective blood donors in Maryland must provide proof of identity upon arrival at a donation center. This standard procedure helps ensure the safety and traceability of the blood supply and confirms that donors meet all eligibility criteria, including age. Federal regulations overseen by the Food and Drug Administration require donation centers to verify identity.3Hoxworth Blood Center, University of Cincinnati. Eligibility, FDA & FAQs
Donation centers, including those run by the American Red Cross or affiliated with hospitals, usually require identification like a driver’s license, state-issued ID card, passport, or student ID with a photo. Returning donors might use an American Red Cross donor card.
If a primary photo ID is unavailable, some centers might accept two forms of secondary identification, such as a birth certificate, Social Security card, or a utility bill bearing the donor’s name. It is recommended, especially for first-time donors, to check the specific identification requirements with the donation center beforehand. Accurate donor records are essential for linking each unit of blood to its donor.
