MKBC News & Community Impact

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.

Officials from Miller-Keystone Blood Center (MKBC) and the County of Northampton proudly announce the awarding of a $250,000 grant designated for the purchase of a new community bloodmobile vehicle. The grant presentation took place during a press conference at the Northampton County Court of Common Pleas, located at 669 Washington Street in Easton.

According to Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure, this new partnership between the county and MKBC “has been developed to help address an ongoing blood shortage by increasing donations via blood drives, which have been shown to play a critical role in reaching potential donors.”

Miller-Keystone Blood Center maintains a list of nearly 1,900 community partners that run blood drives throughout the year, with about 283 active donor groups in Northampton County alone. These businesses, churches, and schools play a vital role in providing education and enabling access for those who wish to roll up their sleeves and give the gift of life. During the pandemic, with schools and businesses closed and people staying home, the Blood Center witnessed a severe decline in blood donations through mobile drives. However, moving into the post-pandemic era, there is a shift back to a “mobile-drive culture.”

Rami Nemeh, MKBC’s Chief Operating Officer explained that the Blood Center provides more than 100,000 transfusable blood products to our regional hospitals annually, with 37% of the community blood supply collected at mobile blood drive locations, moving toward a full 40% as we return to pre-pandemic blood drive levels.
“These blood drives take place 7 days per week, 365 days per year at schools, churches, businesses and other organizations throughout our community,” he said, noting that upon its arrival, the new bloodmobile will be added to the MKBC bloodmobile fleet allowing the retirement of at least one of the vehicles which has exceeded its life expectancy.

Nemeh added that “every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood, and one in seven people entering the hospital will require a blood transfusion. This poses an enormous challenge for community blood centers as we are faced with the ongoing, critical task of recruiting new and additional blood donors, and ensuring that a safe and constant supply of blood products is available for cancer patients, accident victims, premature infants and others in need of lifesaving transfusions at our regional hospitals.”

Mr. Nemeh noted that an additional concern is a generational gap in the mindset of today’s blood donors. 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%.

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

“While blood collection from individuals is the primary function and mission of Miller-Keystone Blood Center and is the cornerstone of its reputation, it is the generous financial support of individuals and organizations in our community that allows our facility to function optimally,” added Lina Barbieri, Chief Philanthropy Officer, MKBC. “We are sincerely grateful to the Honorable Lamont McClure, County Council and the residents of the County of Northampton for their partnership and generosity,” said Ms. Barbieri. “This grant in support of a new community bloodmobile demonstrates their commitment not only to Miller-Keystone Blood Center, but to the health and welfare of our entire community.”

The new bloodmobile vehicle is expected to be placed in-service in the Lehigh Valley in mid to late 2025.

For more information on the grant presentation or new community bloodmobile, contact Lina Barbieri, Chief Philanthropy Officer, at lbarbieri@giveapint.org; or for more information on hosting a blood drive at your location, call 800.223.6667 and ask to speak with someone in Donor Relations.

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.