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5/5/2026
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Sen. Vargas bill would enable employees to take blood donation leave
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 Legislation is aimed at boosting blood supply
STATE HOUSE – Sen. Lammis J. Vargas is sponsoring legislation to boost blood donation in Rhode Island by requiring employers to allow full-time employees to take paid time off once a year to donate blood.
“As we saw following more than one recent tragedy in our state, our blood supply is a critical public health resource. Its stability relies on a steady stream of donations from ordinary people who are willing to help save strangers’ lives. This bill makes it a little easier for people to donate, to boost participation and better ensure that blood is available in any time of need,” said Senator Vargas (D-Dist. 28, Cranston, Providence), who is both a blood donor and a past recipient; she required blood transfusions during treatment for leukemia, as well as after the birth of one of her children.
The legislation (2026-S 2928) would enable full-time employees working in Rhode Island to take up to four hours, once a year, to donate blood through Rhode Island Blood Center or any other blood donation program approved by the American Association of Blood Banks, the American Red Cross or another nationally recognized blood donation organization without loss of time, pay or other benefits they’ve accrued. The employee would be required to provide reasonable advance notice to their employer, and the time off would be subject to their workplace’s operational needs. Employers may require written verification of the donation.
The legislation is supported by Rhode Island Blood Center (RIBC).
“Rhode Island Blood Center is grateful to Senator Vargas for championing legislation that recognizes blood donation as both a civic act and a public health necessity. Every day, patients in Rhode Island and across our region depend on volunteer blood donors for surgeries, cancer treatment, trauma care, childbirth emergencies and chronic conditions such as sickle cell disease. We support any steps that reduce barriers to donation and help grow the blood supply for patients, and we encourage businesses that are able to provide this kind of support to consider doing so. RIBC appreciates the Senator’s leadership on behalf of patients, hospitals, and communities throughout Rhode Island,” said RIBC Vice President of Blood Operations Hunter Shaffer.
Since the pandemic, blood centers nationwide have experienced declining donations.
And while some businesses do help support the blood supply by hosting blood drives, providing blood donation leave to employees would be an easy way for others to support this public health resource, said Senator Vargas.
“Every one of us would hope that blood would be available if we or someone we love needed it, whether because of a life-threatening accident or injury, cancer or surgery. Blood cannot be replicated artificially, so we can only rely on donors,” said Senator Vargas. “Although 60% of the population is eligible to donate, only about 3% actually do, and blood shortages are common. We need to do more to encourage and enable more people to roll up their sleeves for this essential public health and safety need.”
The bill is before the Senate Labor and Gaming Committee, which held a hearing on it April 4. Companion legislation (2026-H 8330) is being sponsored in the House by Rep. Karen Alzate (D-Dist. 60, Pawtucket, Central Falls).
IN PHOTO: Sen. Lammis J. Vargas donating blood recently at Rhode Island Blood Center.
For more information, contact:
Meredyth R. Whitty, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-1923
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