Miller-Keystone Blood Center is scheduling its "My Blood Your Blood" educational program to schools for the 2013-14 calendar year.

Funded by foundations and corporations, "My Blood, Your Blood" is an educational science program designed to educate young people regarding the importance of blood as well as to encourage students to one day to become a blood donor.

The educational program is offered free of charge to students in elementary school, middle school and high school, as well as other community-based organizations, such as Girl/Boy Scouts and youth education.

"My Blood, Your Blood" presents information to youths about their blood and how important it is, as well as the need for a safe and continuous blood supply within our community.

Created by a team of physicians, scientists, and educators, the educational multimedia program features videos, science lessons, posters and other materials on blood biology, blood circulation, and the importance of becoming a blood donor in a fun and interactive way.

Through "My Blood, Your Blood" students will get an introduction to the Miller-Keystone Blood Center informing them of who we are and what we do, they'll watch a video tailored toward elementary or secondary instruction, receive a presentation about blood biology, circulatory system, and the importance of blood donation, and lastly, the newest addition, an interactive poster contest on the theme of "Importance of Blood Donation."

The first annual poster contest gives students the opportunity to win a pizza party sponsored by Miller-Keystone Blood Center and a chance to have their poster turned into a canvas and displayed at our Bethlehem fixed site in perpetuity.

Each class will submit one poster that includes the Miller-Keystone Blood Center name or logo, a statement regarding the importance of blood donation or a fact learned from the presentation and a drawing, painting, or any artwork using craft materials.

Miller-Keystone Blood Center is currently in the process of developing a schedule of presentations for the school year.

Anyone interested in the "My Blood, Your Blood" program is invited to visit the blood center's website at giveapint.org or call 800-223-6667 for information.