Miller-Keystone Blood Center urgently seeks blood donors to support Maine shooting victims

LEHIGH VALLEY, PA – Miller-Keystone Blood Center (MKBC) officials are committed to supporting mass injury needs throughout the nation, and are asking all eligible blood donors to schedule an appointment to donate.

The Blood Center is a member of BERC – the Blood Emergency Readiness Corps.

BERC is a collaborative effort of more than 30 blood centers across the United States.

“BERC was founded in 2021 to meet immediate transfusion needs when faced with large-scale emergency situations that will likely require blood transfusions,” says MKBC. 

Monika Wiegers, Director of Donor Relations says “In our own community, we need approximately 350 blood donors every day to meet the transfusion needs of accident victims, cancer patients, premature babies, and others requiring lifesaving transfusions at our regional hospitals.”

Ms. Wiegers also confirmed that the United States is the middle of the most critical national blood shortage in its history, potentially putting patient lives at risk.

“One in four individuals will require a blood transfusion at some point in their life. That means that every single one of us, someone we know, or someone we love, will need blood. People should not wait for a mass tragedy to occur to donate,” she stated.

Individuals can donate at Blood Center locations in Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, Pittston or Reading (PA), or Trenton (NJ).

You can also search for a blood drive in your region by visiting the Blood Center’s website at GIVEaPINT.org.

Potential donors can confirm their eligibility by visiting the Blood Center’s website or by calling 800-223-6667.