The Diocese of Allentown announced that it will sponsor a diocese-wide blood drive from September 19 through December 16. The drive will take place at all Miller-Keystone Blood Center (MKBC) fixed sites in honor of Saint Januarius, the patron saint of blood banks.
Monika Wiegers, Director of Donor Relations, MKBC, thanked the Allentown Diocese in a press release for the support of their critically important mission. “In addition to saving lives, all blood donors who provide their parish's Blood Drive Sponsor Code at the time of their appointment will receive a Saint Januarius medallion blessed by The Most Reverend Alfred A. Schlert, Bishop of the Diocese of Allentown,” said Wiegers.
“We are excited to partner with Miller-Keystone Blood Center, the only community blood center in the region, to increase and maintain a strong blood supply now and into the future,” Bishop Schlert shared in a letter to all members of the Diocese.
Bishop Schlert expressed his concerns about the blood shortage, stating, “The critical need for everyone’s support cannot be overstated, especially as we address a severe blood shortage that affects us here and across the nation.” He continued, “Blood is used for accidents, trauma and burn victims, premature babies with one-fourth of the blood collected helping cancer patients.”
He encouraged each parish to embrace this effort and to encourage the full participation of their parishioners. "Together we can help support a community partner that serves 18 counties, including all 5 within the Diocese, and has done so for more than 53 years," he added. "Thank you for your attention to this initiative, and may God bless your efforts."
Blood and platelet donations can be made at the following MKBC locations:
- Allentown: 1255 S. Cedar Crest Blvd, Suite 1300
- Allentown: Five City Center, 740 Hamilton St, Suite 120
- Bethlehem: 1465 Valley Center Parkway
- Easton: 3765 Nicholas St, Suite B
- Pittston: 400 Route 315, Suite E
- Reading: 2745 Leiscz's Bridge Road (for GPS, use: 047 Old Bernville Rd)
- Ewing/Trenton (NJ): 400 Main Boulevard East, Suite 601
To be eligible to donate blood, individuals must be at least 16 years old (with parental consent required for 16-year-olds), weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, and be in good health. More eligibility guidelines are available on the MKBC website at GIVEaPINT.org.
Appointments can be made by calling 800-B-A-DONOR (223-6667) ext. 2, online at GIVEaPINT.org, or via the MKBC Mobile Donor App (which can be downloaded at Google Play or the Apple Store).
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