Miller-Keystone Blood Center is encouraging all eligible individuals to roll up their sleeves and donate blood in January, in recognition of National Blood Donor Month 2025.

“Miller-Keystone Blood Center is the only community blood center serving our regional hospitals,” said Keith Vogrin, director of Marketing. “Approximately 350 blood donations are needed every day to meet the transfusion needs of these facilities as they care for accident victims, cancer patients, premature babies, surgical patients, and others in need of lifesaving transfusions.”

“It is important to remember that blood is perishable,” Monika Wiegers, director of Donor Relations, said. “Red blood cells have a shelf life of 42 days, while platelets have a usable life span of just seven days, making the need of a steady stream of donors critical to the health and welfare of our community.

“These blood products cannot be manufactured, they can only be obtained through the generosity of volunteer blood donors.”

Vogrin noted that to recognize and celebrate the commitment of its blood donors, Miller-Keystone Blood Center launched a new and improved donor rewards program in July 2024.

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

Vogrin said that MKBC’s Frequent Lifesaver Club is an opt-in program, noting that donors are not automatically enrolled, they must voluntarily join by logging into their online donor portal.

Wiegers added that individuals donating in the month of January can also participate in a number of Blood Center promotions and events, including:

• Bring a Friend: existing MKBC blood doors are encouraged to bring along a friend who has never donated with MKBC before. Both registered donors will receive a $25 electronic gift card for their generous support of our community.

• Rascal Flatts Life is a Highway Tour: individuals registering to donate from Jan. 1 through Feb. 28 can enter to win a pair of tickets for Rascal Flatts at the PPL Center on March 15. Two pairs of tickets will be awarded.

• Enjoy the Comedy of Sebastian Maniscalco: individuals registering to donate from Jan. 1 through March 6 can enter to win a pair of tickets for Sebastian Maniscalco at the PPL Center on March 13. Two pairs of tickets will be awarded.

In addition, the Blood Center is holding a “Selfless Selfies” contest during National Blood Donor Month, encouraging donors to share a selfie when they visit MKBC to donate blood.

Additional details on all Blood Center promotions and events can be found on Miller-Keystone Blood Center’s website at GIVEaPINT.org. To schedule an appointment visit the MKBC website or call 800-B-A-DONOR (223-6667).