According to Miller-Keystone Blood Center, the regional blood supply is in urgent need of blood donations as hospitals have resumed elective surgeries. As a result, the need for red cells, platelets and plasma by regional hospitals has increased. Blood is perishable and the only source is the volunteer blood donor. Platelets have a five day shelf life and red blood cells have a 42 day shelf life but are quickly used up. As organizations begin to resume operations, Miller-Keystone Blood Center has started to schedule on-site bloodmobile drives. Any organization wishing to make the arrangements for an on-site bloodmobile drive can contact the blood center at 800-223-6667 to speak with an account manager.

In July, Miller-Keystone Blood Center’s five satellite locations in Brodheadsville, Exton, Hazleton, Quakertown and Wind Gap will resume blood collections and hosting regularly scheduled blood drives. The most up-to-date listing of dates and hours can be found at https://www.giveapint.org/blood-donor-center-locations.

Miller-Keystone Blood Center has expanded the hours at Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, Pittston and Reading centers to accommodate the ongoing transfusion needs of the regional hospitals. The most up-to-date operating hours can be found at: https://www.giveapint.org/blood-donor-center-locations.

Going to a blood center or blood drive is safe. The blood center honors the necessary “social distancing” recommendations, and while walk-in donations are typically welcome and appreciated as time permits, we have temporarily implemented an appointment-only policy. All blood center equipment is decontaminated between uses and everything that touches blood is sterile and disposable (including blood bags, needles and test tubes). All signature pads, tables and tablets are sanitized/disinfected between use and blood center staff are wearing personal protective equipment according to regulatory requirements (including gloves and face shields). In addition, they recommend donors complete their medical screening online before arriving for their scheduled appointment and they bring and wear a mask during their donation. For more information, visit RedCrossBlood.org/ or RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.