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On Thursday, April 9, Miller-Keystone Blood Center (MKBC) announced the winner of its 2026 Blood Donor Madness competition during a Winners Announcement and Wrap-up Celebration held at Coca-Cola Park. The event took place in the BSI Corporate Benefits Dugout Suite, with the official champion announced on the field prior to the start of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs game.

Lehigh University was named the 2026 Blood Donor Madness champion. The annual campaign is designed to boost blood donations across the region through a fun and friendly competition among local colleges and universities. As this year’s winner, Lehigh University will receive a $10,000 gift to its scholarship program, generously provided by BSI Corporate Benefits, along with the official MKBC Blood Donor Madness trophy.

“Thirteen regional colleges and universities participated in our 2026 Blood Donor Madness competition,” said Rami Nemeh, President & CEO of Hospital Central Services, Inc./Miller-Keystone Blood Center. “Thanks to their combined efforts, more than 550 blood donors were brought in, impacting approximately 1,500 lives in our community. We are grateful to all participating schools and congratulate Lehigh University on being crowned this year’s champion.”

The 12-week competition launched on January 12 and concluded on April 3, with participating schools competing to collect the highest number of blood donations. The total number of blood donations for each institution was weighted, with each school given a goal of 2% of its total student population.

Participating schools in the 2026 competition included:

• Cedar Crest College *
• DeSales University *
• Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine *
• Kutztown University
• Lackawanna College
• Lafayette College *
• Lehigh Carbon Community College *
• Lehigh University – 2026 winner
• Moravian University *
• Northampton Community College
• Penn State Berks
• Penn State Lehigh Valley *
• Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences *

* Schools achieving or exceeding their 2026 goal and receiving a $1,000 gift to their scholarship fund

The 2026 Blood Donor Madness competition was generously sponsored by BSI Corporate Benefits and Capital BlueCross. 

Blood Donor Madness Details: https://www.giveapint.org/donormadness/

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WFMZ Channel 69 News:
Competing to save lives: Lehigh University wins 2026 Blood Donor Madness competition

Officials at Miller-Keystone Blood Center (MKBC) have announced the recipients of its annual Local Leader Awards. Established in 2014, the awards recognize blood drive hosts who collect 200 or more lifesaving blood donations within a calendar year. By hosting blood drives with MKBC, these organizations strengthen the health and well-being of our families, friends, neighbors, and the community.

“Our Local Leaders are game changers,” said Monika Wiegers, MKBC Director of Donor Relations. “When it comes to blood collections, these organizations don’t just support our mission, they champion it.”

“Hosting a blood drive is more than just an event, it’s a way to bring people together for a greater purpose,” she added, noting that the impact is real and meaningful by providing hope to someone in need of blood as medicine.

In 2025, 20 organizations reached the Local Leader milestone and were honored during the MKBC Impact Awards ceremony held at DeSales University of March 3, 2026.  Recipients include:

• East Penn Manufacturing – 770 units
• Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley – 401 units
• Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Parish – 340 units
• Reading Hospital – Tower Health – 338 units
• Kempton Excavating / Kempton Community – 334 units
• Daniel Boone High School – Angela Hohl Memorial – 325 units
• Luke’s Hospital – Bethlehem Campus – 290 units
• Lehigh Valley Health Network – Cedar Crest – 265 units
• Boyertown Community – 253 units
• Air Products – World Headquarters – 239 units
• In Memory of Allison Perno – 239 units
• Geisinger Medical Center – 239 units
• Lehighton Community Blood Drive – 232 units
• Fleetwood High School – 229 units
• Indian Valley Community Blood Drive – 224 units
• ArtsQuest / Levitt Pavilion / Craig Thatcher Band – 221 units
• Thomas More Church – 218 units
• EnerSys – 214 units
• Peter’s United Church Of Christ – 213 units
• Luke’s Hospital – Monroe Campus – 201 units

Officials at Miller-Keystone Blood Center recently announced the recipients of its MKBC Impact Awards. The awards were presented during an event held on Tuesday, March 3, at DeSales University.

“Our Impact Awards were created as a way to say thank you and celebrate the incredible difference our blood donors, blood drive hosts, blood drive coordinators, funders, volunteers, and ambassadors make – not only for our organization, but for our entire community,” said Rami Nemeh, President & CEO of Miller-Keystone Blood Center.

This year’s Impact Award recipients include:

• George Ashman Award for Blood Drive Coordinator of the Year: Kevin Unger, St. Peter’s UCC (West Lawn, PA)
• Blood Drive of the Year – Business: Aman’s Artisan Indian Cuisine (Easton, PA)
• Blood Drive of the Year – Community: Kempton Excavating / Kempton Community Blood Drive (Kempton, PA)
• Angela Hohl Award for High School Blood Drive of the Year: Bethlehem Area Vocational Technical School (Bethlehem, PA)
• MKBC Volunteer of the Year: Shayne Murray (Easton, PA)
• MKBC Ambassador of the Year: Sofia Groves (Allentown, PA)

Additional Details: https://www.giveapint.org/impact-awards/
PHOTO CREDIT:  Marco Calderon

On December 15, 2025, Miller-Keystone Blood Center (MKBC), the City of Allentown, and the Allentown Bureau of EMS announced the launch of the City’s EMS Pre-Hospital Blood Program during a news conference at MKBC’s Hamilton Donor Center.

MKBC President & CEO Rami Nemeh thanked the City of Allentown for its leadership and partnership, calling the initiative a major advancement in patient care.

“Having blood available on ambulances to stabilize patients is a game changer,” Nemeh said, also recognized hospital partners St. Luke’s University Health Network, Geisinger, and Tower Health for their communication efforts to help advance the program.

“This initiative reflects MKBC’s mission to partner with our community to ensure a continuous supply of blood products and enhance care across the region,” he noted.

Allentown Mayor and dedicated blood donor, Matt Tuerk, described the collaborative process that brought the program to life. “Our EMS team identified a need, evaluated the data, solicited staff input, and proposed an innovative solution,” he said. “The final step was finding a partner who would show up, and that partner is Miller-Keystone Blood Center.”

Allentown Bureau of EMS Chief of Operations, Mehmet Barzev, MEMHS, NRP, emphasized the program’s lifesaving potential.

“This program is a significant advancement for our Bureau of EMS. It aims to improve patient outcomes by administering lifesaving blood products moments before a patient reaches the hospital, as administering blood before a patient reaches the hospital can mean the difference between life and death, especially for trauma patients.”

Barzev also thanked MKBC, the Pennsylvania Department of Health, our regional hospitals, City of Allentown EMS staff, and their mentors from the New Castle County Delaware Department of EMS for their collaboration and oversight throughout the program’s development.

“We hope that our program serves as a precursor for other EMS organizations in the region to consider implementing a similar program,” Barzev added.

MKBC Vice President of Operational Services, Hope Dorn, noted the extensive teamwork behind the effort.

“From training and logistics to inventory management and constant communication, the teamwork and dedication to this initiative cannot be overstated,” she said, also thanking MKBC’s blood donors whose generosity makes programs like this possible.

View the full news conference here.

For information on MKBC’s Pre-Hospital Blood Program, contact Hope Dorn. 

Officials from Miller-Keystone Blood Center (MKBC) and the Diocese of Allentown have announced impressive results from the second annual Saint Januarius Blood Drive, with participating parishes boosting blood donations by 40% compared to last year’s inaugural effort.

“Of course, we set out to exceed last year’s blood donation results, and the Diocese of Allentown made it happen,” said Monika Wiegers, Director of Donor Relations. “Between September 19 and December 16 of this year, an amazing 821 blood donations were collected as part of the second annual Saint Januarius campaign.”

Wiegers added that 63 Diocesan churches and schools were represented in 2025, an increase of 17 from the previous year.

The blood drive campaign was held in honor of Saint Januarius, the patron saint of blood banks. Wiegers noted that both dates are of special significance.  “September 19 is the Feast Day of Saint Januarius,” she explained, “while December 16 is one of the dates when the miracle of his blood liquefaction is traditionally observed.”

Blood donors providing their parish’s Blood Drive Sponsor Code at the time of their appointment received a Saint Januarius medallion blessed by The Most Reverend Alfred A. Schlert, Bishop of the Diocese of Allentown. A prayer card was also made available for those donors who received a medallion last year. 

“I’m so grateful to Miller-Keystone and Diocese of Allentown staffs,” said Bishop Schlert. “Our parishioners responded beautifully to our initiative, and I’m very proud of them.”  

“Miller-Keystone Blood Center was privileged to partner with the Diocese of Allentown again this year to save lives in our community. We are very grateful for their generosity and support of our critically important mission,” said Wiegers.

“While the Saint Januarius campaign brings a fun and exciting spirit of competition, I think it is always important to note that blood donation is a year‑round lifesaving act and we encourage everyone to make giving blood a habit throughout the year,” added Wiegers.

“Approximately 350 blood donations are needed every day to help cancer patients, accident victims, premature babies, and others receiving lifesaving care at our community hospitals,” she said, encouraging eligible blood donors to schedule a blood donation at any of MKBC’s regional donor centers, located in Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, Pittston and Reading.

In order to donate blood, individuals must be at least 16* years of age, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, and be feeling healthy. A full list of eligibility guidelines can be found on the MKBC website at GIVEaPINT,org.  (* parental consent required for 16-year-old blood donors)  

Appointments can be made by calling 800-B-A-DONOR (223-6667) ext. 2, online at GIVEaPINT.org, or via the MKBC App (available for download at Google Play or the Apple Store). 

The Miller-Keystone Blood Center is launching its second annual blood donor madness competition Monday.

It’s a 12-week promotion aimed to increase blood donations, specifically among young people.

The competition is between local colleges and universities, with the winning school bringing home a $10,000 scholarship fund award.

Each participating school can win a $1,000 award for their scholarship fund if their donations reach 4 percent of their student population.

But it’s not just college kids who can participate.

Anyone can donate on behalf of a given school. All you have to do is provide that school’s group code when you show up.

Miller-Keystone hopes that this event will ultimately encourage young people to become life-long blood donors.

“We are throwing this campaign so that way we can start getting in some younger donors. About 60% of our donors are over the age of 55 here at Miller Keystone Blood Center, so we really need the younger generation to step up and donate blood,” says Krista Brodbeck, Community Engagement Manager at Miller-Keystone.

Blood Donor Madness Details: https://www.giveapint.org/donormadness/

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WFMZ Channel 69 News
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“Bloodhound I” Debuts on April 1 Thanks to Generous Support from The Fleming Foundation and EnerSys

A ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place at MKBC’s Bethlehem headquarters on April 1 to introduce its newest bloodmobile, Bloodhound I. Named in honor of MKBC’s mascot, Half-Pint the Bloodhound, the vehicle will expand the center’s ability to collect lifesaving blood donations throughout the region.

According to Rami Nemeh, President & CEO of Hospital Central Services, Inc. & its affiliates including Miller-Keystone Blood Center, the new bloodmobile will begin operations immediately and help to bolster the community blood supply by increasing donations via blood drives.

“Approximately 40% of our community’s blood supply comes from donations collected at blood drives hosted by local businesses, high schools, colleges, churches, community centers, and other organizations,” shared Nemeh, noting that Miller-Keystone Blood Center maintains a list of more than 2,000 community blood drive partners who together, conduct on average, about 1,000 blood drives annually.

“These organizations are essential in educating the community and creating opportunities for individuals to roll up their sleeves and donate the gift of life,” Nemeh added, confirming that Miller-Keystone Blood Center is currently raising funds to purchase four bloodmobiles, and that The Fleming Foundation and EnerSys of Reading have both generously contributed to funding Bloodhound I. Additional organizations have also made gifts to MKBC’s bloodmobile campaign, and will be recognized on plaques located inside all four vehicles when they are in operation.

He noted that the arrival of Bloodhound I enables MKBC to retire at least one of the Blood Center’s older vehicles, which has exceeded its life expectancy.

“While the primary mission of Miller-Keystone Blood Center is to collect and distribute lifesaving blood products to our regional hospitals, our ability to operate efficiently relies on the generous financial support of individuals and organizations within our community,” added Lina Barbieri, Chief Philanthropy Officer, MKBC.

Kathleen Arnold, Trustee of The Fleming Foundation, emphasized the importance of supporting MKBC’s efforts. “The Fleming Foundation is proud to support the Miller-Keystone Blood Center and the critical service they provide to our local and surrounding communities. The new and modernized bloodmobiles are state-of-the-art and will ensure MKBC can continue to provide first-class comfort and convenience to their valued blood donors for years to come.”

“We are sincerely grateful to The Fleming Foundation and EnerSys for their generosity toward this first bloodmobile.” said Barbieri. “Their generosity, coupled with the generosity of other organizations who have made important gifts to this campaign, demonstrates their commitment not only to Miller-Keystone Blood Center but also to the health and well-being of our entire community.”

For more information on supporting Miller-Keystone Blood Center with a financial gift, click here; or to schedule your lifesaving blood donation, click here.

Local Leader Campaign Recognizes Top Blood Drive Sponsors in the Region

Miller-Keystone Blood Center (MKBC) recently recognized 20 regional organizations for their exceptional support of community health through blood drive sponsorship.

“Our Local Leader campaign celebrates schools, businesses, faith-based groups, and other organizations that go above and beyond to support our mission,” said Monika Wiegers, Director of Donor Relations at MKBC. ““By hosting blood drives with the only community blood center serving our regional hospitals, these groups help ensure a steady supply of lifesaving blood products for our local hospitals, playing a direct role in saving lives.

The following groups were recognized through MKBC’s Local Leader Award campaign for collecting 200 or more lifesaving units of blood during the 2024 calendar year:

• East Penn Manufacturing – 771 Units
• St. Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Parish – 390 Units
• Daniel Boone High School – 378 Units
• Kempton Excavating – 344 Units
• LVHN Cedar Crest – 337 Units
• St. Luke’s University Health Network – Bethlehem Campus – 324 Units
• Air Products – World Headquarters – 321 Units
• Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley – 316 Units
• Tower Health / Reading Hospital – 308 Units
• St. Peter’s UCC West Lawn – 292 Units
• Boyertown Community Blood Drive – 290 Units
• Indian Valley Community Blood Drive – 279 Units
• Blood Drive in Memory of Allison Perno – 278 Units
• Geisinger Medical Center – 262 Units
• Fleetwood High School – 261 Units
• Lehighton Community Blood Drive – 252 Units
• Palmerton Community Blood Drive – 234 Units
• Mister CarWash – 223 Units
• Guardian Life – 216 Units
• EnerSys – 200 Units

“Together, these 20 organizations collected more than 6,000 units of in 2024,” said Krista Hill, Community Engagement Manager, MKBC. “That amounts to impacting the lives of more than 15,000 patients in our local hospitals. We’re deeply grateful to the leaders and teams at these organizations for setting a powerful example of community service.”

For more information on Miller-Keystone Blood Center’s Local Leader Awards, click here.

On Wednesday, April 9, Miller-Keystone Blood Center (MKBC) held its Winners Announcement and Wrap-up Celebration for the inaugural Blood Donor Madness competition. The celebration took place in the BSI Corporate Benefits Dugout Suite at Coca Cola Park, with the official announcement of the 2025 Blood Donor Madness champion occurring on the baseball field prior to the start of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs game.

Penn State Lehigh Valley was announced as the winner of the inaugural Blood Donor Madness event, designed to increase blood donations in the community by creating a fun, friendly competition between the colleges and universities in the Lehigh Valley. As the winner, Penn State Lehigh Valley is the recipient of a $10,000 gift to its scholarship program generously provided by BSI Corporate Benefits, as well as the official MKBC Blood Donor Madness trophy.

“10 Lehigh Valley colleges and universities participated in our 2025 Blood Donor Madness competition,” said Rami Nemeh, President & CEO, Hospital Central Services, Inc./Miller-Keystone Blood Center. “Thanks to their support, approximately 450 blood donations were made, impacting more than 1,000 lives in our community. We are grateful to all of the colleges and universities that participated in this year’s campaign, and we congratulate Penn State Lehigh Valley on being crowned as the 2025 Blood Donor Madness champion!”

MKBC’s Blood Donor Madness launched on Monday, January 13, and concluded on Friday, April 4. Over this 12-week period, participating colleges and universities in the Lehigh Valley competed with each other to see who would collect the most blood donations. The total number of blood donations for each institution was weighted, with each school given a goal of 4% of its total student population.

Full results of Miller-Keystone Blood Center’s 2025 Blood Donor Madness competition:

MKBC’s 2025 Blood Donor Madness competition was generously sponsored by BSI Corporate Benefits and Capital BlueCross. For additional information on this year’s competition, click here.