LEHIGH VALLEY, PA \u2013 Miller-Keystone Blood Center (MKBC) is encouraging all eligible individuals to roll up their sleeves and donate blood this January in recognition of National Blood Donor Month 2026.<\/p>\n
\u201cMiller-Keystone Blood Center is the only community blood center serving our local hospitals,\u201d said Monika Wiegers, Director of Donor Services. \u201cApproximately 350 blood donations are needed every day to meet the transfusion needs of these facilities as they care for accident victims, cancer patients, premature babies, surgical patients, and others in need of lifesaving transfusions.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wiegers emphasized the importance of maintaining a steady blood supply. \u201cBlood is perishable,\u201d she explained. \u201cRed blood cells have a shelf life of 42 days, while platelets are usable for just seven days. Because these lifesaving products cannot be manufactured and can only be obtained through the generosity of volunteer donors, a consistent stream of donations is critical to the health and well-being of our community.\u201d<\/p>\n
She added, \u201cWe encourage all eligible donors to schedule an appointment in January and to consider making blood donation a part of their regular routine.\u201d<\/p>\n
As part of its National Blood Donor Month celebration, MKBC will once again host its annual \u2018Bring a Friend\u2019 campaign throughout January and February.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur current donors are encouraged to bring a family member, friend, or colleague who has never donated with MKBC before,\u201d Wiegers said. \u201cAfter successfully donating, both donors will receive a $25 electronic gift card in appreciation of their generous support.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wiegers also reminded donors about the Blood Center\u2019s Frequent Lifesaver Club, which recognizes and rewards individuals for their ongoing commitment to saving lives through voluntary blood donation.<\/p>\n
\u201cDonors earn points every time they donate,\u201d she said. \u201cSimply put, the more often someone donates, the more points they earn.\u201d<\/p>\n
Points may be redeemed through the Blood Center\u2019s online store for a variety of branded merchandise and electronic gift cards. Enrollment in the Frequent Lifesaver Club is optional and must be completed by donors through their online donor portal.<\/p>\n
To schedule an appointment, visit the MKBC website, scan the QR code, download the MKBC Donor Mobile App (available for Apple and Android devices), or call 800-B-A-DONOR (223-6667), ext. 2.<\/p>\n
Information provided to TVL by:
\nMarie Clemens<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
LEHIGH VALLEY, PA \u2013 Miller-Keystone Blood Center (MKBC) is encouraging all eligible individuals to roll up their sleeves and donate blood this January in recognition of National Blood Donor Month 2026. \u201cMiller-Keystone Blood Center is the only community blood center serving our local hospitals,\u201d said Monika Wiegers, Director of Donor Services. \u201cApproximately 350 blood donations … Continue reading CELEBRATE NATIONAL BLOOD DONOR MONTH 2026 WITH A LIFESAVING BLOOD DONATION<\/span>