New law lets Oregonians use sick time to donate blood

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Effective January 1st, 2026, you can use your paid sick leave to donate blood

Senate Bill 1108 expanded the use of paid sick leave, adding blood donations to the list of permitted reasons.

The bill's sponsor, Senator Lew Frederick, aimed to adress the frequent blood shortage around the country.

Coincidentally this change comes as the red cross has declared a severe national\ shortage due to the winter weather impacting most of the US.

Regional Spokes person for the Red Cross Isabel Anderson commented on the need, saying: "Just from this recent winter storm, we've had about 500 blood drives canceled, which is leading to 15,000 blood and platelet units that have gone uncollected."

Anderson said donations serve local hospitals first, but would travel across the country if necessary. She urged people to donate here in Oregon, adding, "So right now, we're asking that anyone who's in an area safe to donate, that they go out and donate blood so that we can help restock those shelves."

The bill specifies donations must be made at American Association of Blood Banks or the American Red Cross.

Employees are allowed to take up to four hours a year using their sick time for blood donation.

The bill also allows people to donate their sick leave to co-workers for this purpose.