"Every Gift Counts "
2011-12 Annual Appeal
The dedication of our community’s first blood center took place in September 1971. At that time, Miller-Keystone Blood Center (MKBC) was committed to meeting the vital transfusion needs of six hospitals in
our community.
Today we are privileged to serve as the only supplier of blood products to 24 hospitals in 11 Pennsylvania and New Jersey counties, and are recognized as one of the nation’s best-regarded, highly experienced blood centers. Our history of compliance with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and AABB (formerly the American Association of Blood Banks) requirements, combined with our ISO9000 certification, demonstrates our commitment to quality and service excellence. For more than 40 years, we have delivered the safe,
reliable blood products that our community needs.
It is the mission of MKBC to make a difference in people’s lives by providing this precious, lifesaving resource.
As the sole blood provider to our regional hospitals, we must continuously inspire individuals to donate blood
in order for us to meet the increasing transfusion needs of a growing population. This is an enormous challenge.
In addition, the FDA mandates that blood centers implement new technology and equipment as they become available. Out-of-date technology and equipment must be replaced on a relatively frequent basis. This new equipment guarantees the safety of the blood supply as well as operating in the most cost effective and productive manner possible.
Therefore, we NEED YOUR HELP—we kindly reach out to you today for your generous gift.
Funds generated through our 2011-2012 “Every Gift Counts” Annual Appeal Campaign
will be used toward the purchase of several items critically needed by MKBC to support
our community’s only blood program. Each one of these items helps to support our mission of
saving lives. Your support and dedication are critical to helping us achieve this goal.
Current needs include :
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Molecular Genotyping. In order to successfully provide quality blood products to ALL those in need in our vast community, MKBC must work to build a local rare blood library comprised of donations from volunteer donors with certain genetic backgrounds. Such an inventory will be used to meet the needs of famiy, friends and neighbors being treated for blood diseases, such as *sickle cell disease and **thalassemia. To meet this challenger, MKBC must purchase specific molecular blood genotyping equipment that uses genetic sequencing to predict blood group genotype. In short, we must be able to determine the presence or absence of a specific gene that, if present, will greatly increase the positive results of blood transfusion therapy for patients with blood diseases requiring multiple and regular transfusions to support patient health and survival.
* Sickle Cell Anemia disease is caused by an abnormal type of hemoglobin called hemoglobin S, which is a protein inside red blood cells that carries oxygen. Hemoglobin S changes the shape of red blood cells, especially when the cells are exposed to low oxygen levels. The red blood cells become shaped like crescents or sickles and deliver less oxygen to the body’s tissues.
** Thalassemia is a blood disorder passed down through families (inherited) in which the body makes an abnormal form of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. The disorder results in excessive destruction of red blood cells, which leads to anemia.
- Blast Freezer. Plasma is the liquid component of blood which can be used in an array of medical treatments from surgery to burn victims. MKBC collects plasma from volunteer donors in our community by an automated process which separates the plasma from the whole blood without collecting the red blood cells or platelets. However, after donated, plasma must be frozen within 8 hours in order to be used for patient transfusions. To expedite this process, blood centers utilize Blast Freezers to quickly solidify plasma so that it may be preserved in a fresh frozen state and ready for transfusion. Currently, MKBC uses a Blast Freezer that is over 20 years old and requires regular costly maintenance to remain functional.
- "My Blood Your Blood" Education Program. This educational initiative is designed to teach students about blood biology, the necessity of blood to one’s health and the importance of blood donation. Our goal is that students will learn how important blood is to their health and be inspired to donate blood regularly when they are old enough to do so. These donations will be essential in the years to come because there is no substitute for human blood, nor can it be manufactured. As the population ages and medical technology advances, demand will outpace supply, meaning the future health of our community depends on educating our youth today.
“My Blood, Your Blood” is designed for use in elementary school, middle school, high school, or other community-based youth education programs. It is presented by MKBC staff at no cost to schools and community youth groups in the region served by MKBC. The program includes an introduction of services provided by the Blood Center, a 30-minute video, and simulated blood donation. Upon request, a tour of the Blood Center can be arranged, as well. The program continues to spread rapidly throughout our service area, and during the 2010-11 school year was presented to more than 3,800 students.
We sincerely hope that you will consider making a contribution to
our 2011-2012 “Every Gift Counts” Annual Appeal Campaign.
Whether you’re one of our long-time supporters or a new friend,
we are grateful for your support! Your commitment and dedication make
our life saving mission possible. No gift is too small and Every Gift Counts!
Click here to donate with your credit card.
For more information, contact the Development Department at 800-223-6667 or develop@hcsc.org
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