As the result of legislation signed by Gov. Ed Rendell on Nov. 20, 16-year-olds will be able to donate blood beginning on Jan. 21. It is to be hoped that these potential younger donors take advantage of the opportunity to give back to their community in this important, life-saving way.

Schools, in cooperation with Red Cross officials, should make a special effort to ensure that all 16-year-olds attending Butler County schools are aware of this new window for giving in their lives that does not require money.

While 16-year-olds will need to obtain parental permission to donate, it's safe to assume that most parents would have no problem with their children being donors. Indeed, stepping forward to give blood can be construed as a positive step in the process of growing up.

There are more than six weeks before the new law takes effect to get the word out to this new group of potential donors. That information not only should include the fact that 16-year-olds will be able to donate, beginning next month. It also should highlight specifics of the region's blood needs, as well as what new donors should expect when they go to give blood.

On the matter of blood need, Jim Starr, chief executive officer of the Greater Alleghenies Region, American Red Cross, said, "We need a thousand people a day to donate to meet our region's needs."

The potential younger donors should be reminded of why there is such a great need. That information can delve into the average number of surgeries performed daily in hospitals in the region, as well as the average number of accidents that occur each day requiring use of blood products.

Not only these young people's eyes could be opened by such information; perhaps some of their parents who have not felt any inclination or urgency about giving blood might be encouraged to do so, as a result of such an information initiative.

Meanwhile, it would be interesting — and productive — if schools of similar size and student population arranged competitive, annual student-parent blood drives, with possibly a trophy — and bragging rights — at stake.

It is estimated that blood banks and hospitals in the Greater Alleghenies Region, of which Butler County is a part, will benefit from an estimated 3,000 to 4,000 additional units of blood as a result of this new group of donors.

That assumes current donors continue to maintain their commitment to blood donation.

For blood banks and hospitals in the commonwealth, Jan. 21 is being looked upon with anticipation. But, in reality, 16-year-olds should not have had to wait until now for this life-saving privilege to have been extended to them.

In some cases for 16-year-olds, becoming a blood donor now and experiencing the personal satisfaction that it provides could translate into a lifetime commitment to people facing life-or-death emergencies.

At least it is to be hoped that that will be the outcome for many soon-to-be first-time donors.