Bone Marrow Donations.
Bone marrow, found in the center of large bones, produces stem cells. Stem cell transplants are used to treat certain cancers and other blood and immune system diseases. In Washington, a person's status as a minor may not disqualify him or her from bone marrow donation.
Adults interested in donating stem cells from bone marrow may join a registry to be matched with a patient looking for a bone marrow donor. The National Marrow Donor Program is a nonprofit organization that manages the national bone marrow registry and offers education on bone marrow donation and awareness.
Health Education.
The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction adopts state learning standards that describe what public school students must know and be able to do at each grade level. The state learning standards for health and physical education include the development of knowledge and skills to be physically active, eat nutritiously, access reliable health information and services, communicate effectively, and set health-enhancing goals. Among other requirements to qualify for graduation from a public high school, students must complete 24 credits, including one half credit in health.
Each school district, charter school, and state-tribal compact school that serves students in ninth through twelfth grade is encouraged to offer instruction in awareness of bone marrow donation to students. Beginning with the 2022-23 school year, instruction in awareness of bone marrow donation may be included in at least one health class necessary for graduation.
Each school district, charter school, and state-tribal compact school that serves students in kindergarten through eighth grade may offer instruction in awareness of bone marrow donation to students. The instructional program used may be adapted to be age-appropriate.
Instruction in awareness of bone marrow donation must be an instructional program provided by the National Marrow Donor Program or another relevant nationally recognized organization. The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction must post a link on its website to this instructional program. Instruction in awareness of bone marrow donation may be provided by schools directly or by available community-based providers. The instruction does not need to be provided by certificated instructional staff.
The amended bill requires, rather than allows, schools offering instruction in awareness of bone marrow donation to use an instructional program provided by the National Marrow Donor Program or other relevant nationally recognized organization.
(In support) Bone marrow donation is a life-saving technology for people who are struggling with certain cancers and other illnesses. Many people do not understand what stem cell and bone marrow donation is, and the donation is not as invasive as many people think. Communities of color are less likely to find a life-saving match. The Be the Match curriculum is easily accessible and takes about a half an hour. The bill is an opportunity to bring awareness of the importance of bone marrow donation to schools. It will educate students on the option to join the bone marrow registry starting at age 18.
(Opposed) None.