MKBC
NEWS & Events

Miller-Keystone Blood Center (MKBC) has announced the launch of the Center’s new mobile app, available to both Android and Apple mobile device users. The new app, created by national blood bank vendor, Invita, officially launched on Monday, June 17.

“43% of baby boomers and 66% of Generation X use mobile devices,” says Keith Vogrin, Director of Marketing, MKBC. “Those numbers increase to 72% for Generation Y and 82% for Generation Z, which verifies that one of the most convenient and effective ways to connect with individuals under the age of 45 is through a mobile device.”

Mr. Vogrin notes that in recent years, blood donations in the US from individuals aged 16-18 have decreased by 60%, and those from individuals aged 19-24 have decreased by 32%.

“These figures are concerning,” he explains. “Currently, nearly 60% of blood donations come from individuals over the age of 40, and almost 45% are from those aged over 50. Locally, the numbers are even more alarming, as 86% of MKBC’s donor population is over the age of 55.  These statistics are significant, as blood donations from younger generations are pivotal for the stability and diversification of the blood supply.”

While the app will be utilized by donors of all ages, younger donors – who predominantly use handheld devices – will be find it immediately useful, Mr. Vogrin adds noting that MKBC’s new app will provide convenience for blood donors, with a connection to their community blood center at their fingertips.

Features of MKBC’s new mobile app include:

• Immediate access to one’s eligibility date
• Appointment scheduling at one’s fingertips
• Completing one’s donor history questionnaire from a mobile device
• Convenient access to one’s past donation history and mini-health check results 
• Completing a post-donation survey directly from one’s mobile device
• Tracking rewards points and redeeming in MKBC’s online store

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To download Miller-Keystone Blood Center’s new mobile app, visit the Apple Store or Google Play today. Once set-up, you can schedule your lifesaving blood donation through the app or by calling 800-B-A-DONOR (223-6667) ext. 2.

On July 1, Miller-Keystone Blood Center launched its Frequent Lifesaver Club, a new and improved rewards program for our dedicated blood donors.

“Our Frequent Lifesaver Club recognizes and rewards our dedicated donors for saving lives through the generous act of voluntary blood donation,” said Rami Nemeh, Chief Operating Officer, MKBC. “A donor earns points every time they donate. Simply put, the more often someone donates, the more points they will earn.”

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Our Frequent Lifesaver Club is an
opt-in program; donors are not automatically
enrolled, they must voluntarily join by logging
into their online donor portal.
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There are two components to MKBC’s Frequent Lifesaver Club:

• Rewards Points – Rewards points can be redeemed at any time in one’s donor portal. These points can be exchanged for gifts such as t-shirts or a duffle bag, as well as wide variety of e-gift cards. Bonus point days will also be announced periodically.
• Club Levels – Club Levels are based on the number of times someone donates over the course of 12 months. The more times one donates, the higher their club level will be. One’s Club Level will determine the value of periodic drawings MKBC announces for valuable prizes, including gift cards, experiences, merchandise and more.

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For additional details, visit GIVEaPINT.org.

Monthly Blood Collections To Take Place At BSI Corporate Benefits Headquarters

Miller-Keystone Blood Center recently held that a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Center’s new satellite location on the grounds of BSI Corporate Benefits – 205 Webster Street, Bethlehem. This new South Side Community location will host blood drives on the second Friday of each month, from 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM.

Offering comments at the ribbon cutting ceremony were Valerie Lewis, Chief Operating Officer, BSI Corporate Benefits; Rami Nemeh, Chief Operating Officer, Miller-Keystone Blood Center; and the Honorable J. William Reynolds, Mayor of Bethlehem.

The United States is in the midst of the most critical national blood shortage in history, and regional blood supplies have been below preferred inventory levels for more than two years. The addition of a collections site in South Bethlehem is expected to help to bolster the regional blood supply.

To schedule a donation at this location, call 800-B-A-DONOR (223-6667) ext. 2 or visit here to schedule online.

or more information on the upcoming ribbon-cutting event, contact Dara Gonzalez, Community Liaison, at dagonzalez@giveapint.org.

On Wednesday, January 25, 2023, representatives from Miller-Keystone Blood Center and the Highmark Foundation held a press conference to announce the presentation of a two-year, $120,000 grant to underwrite MKBC’s Diversity Initiative. Pete Castagna, President & CEO of Miller-Keystone Blood Center, and Jane Brooks, Regional Manager of Community Affairs, Highmark Foundation, greeting guests at MKBC’s Hamilton Donor Center location in Allentown, acknowledging that this two-year partnership will help improve the overall health of the community, which includes increasing critically needed blood donations. According to Mr. Castagna, the Blood Center’s Diversity Initiative is an example of MKBC deepening its roots i n the downtown Allentown area, recruiting talent to assist in educating the community and strengthening the diversity of the blood supply for the hospitals and ultimately the patients that we serve.” For additional details on the importance of a diverse blood supply, click here.

On Wednesday, April 12, 2023, Miller-Keystone Blood Center welcomed guests to our newly relocated Easton Donor Center, located at 3765 Nicholas Street, Suite B (next door to Redner’s). MKBC’s Chief Operating Officer, Rami Nemeh, welcomed guests and provided an update on several MKBC programs and services. Comments were also made by Val Lewis, Chief Operating Officer, BSI Corporate Benefits and MKBC Community Partner for the Easton Donor Center; and certificates were presented by Lamont McClure, Northampton County Executive, and representatives for the Honorable Rep. Susan Wild, Sen. Lisa Boscola and Rep. Joe Emrick.

On Thursday, April 7, Miller-Keystone Blood Center welcomed approximately 250 guests at the Centennial Event Center at the Homewood Suites for our 50th Anniversary Celebration. The event celebrated many individuals and organizations contributing to our success since founding the Blood Center in 1971.

On Thursday, March 10, a ribbon-cutting event was held at Miller-Keystone Blood Center’s new Hamilton Donor Center, located at Five City Center, 740 Hamilton Street, Suite 120 (Allentown). MKBC’s Pete Castagna, President & CEO, and Rami Nemeh, Chief Operating Officer, welcomed guests and provided an update on several MKBC initiatives. Comments were also made by the Honorable Matt Tuerk, Mayor of Allentown, and Rob Brooks, Owner of the Lehigh Valley Phantoms; and certificates were presented by representatives for the Honorable Sen. Pat Browne and Rep. Susan Wild. After cutting the ceremonial ribbon, we were also honored to have Mayor Tuerk – a first time blood donor – as the first donor at our new Hamilton Street location!