“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.