Officials from Miller-Keystone Blood Center (MKBC) and the Diocese of Allentown have announced impressive results from the second annual St. Januarius Blood Drive, with participating parishes boosting blood donations by 40% compared to last year’s inaugural effort.
“Of course, we set out to exceed last year’s blood donation results, and the Diocese of Allentown made it happen,” said Monika Wiegers, Director of Donor Relations. “Between Sept. 19 and Dec. 16 of 2025, an amazing 821 blood donations were collected as part of the second annual St. Januarius campaign.”
Wiegers added that 63 diocesan parishes and schools were represented in 2025, an increase of 17 from the previous year.
The blood drive campaign was held in honor of St. Januarius, the patron saint of blood banks. Wiegers noted that both dates are of special significance. “Sept. 19 is the Feast Day of St. Januarius,” she explained, “while Dec. 16 is one of the dates when the miracle of his blood liquefaction is traditionally observed.”
Blood donors who provided their parish’s Blood Drive Sponsor Code at the time of their appointment received a St. Januarius medallion blessed by Bishop Alfred Schlert. A prayer card was also made available for those donors who received a medallion last year.
“I’m so grateful to Miller-Keystone and Diocese of Allentown staffs,” said Bishop Schlert. “Our parishioners responded beautifully to our initiative, and I’m very proud of them.”
“Miller-Keystone Blood Center was privileged to partner with the Diocese of Allentown again this year to save lives in our community. We are very grateful for their generosity and support of our critically important mission,” said Wiegers.
“While the St. Januarius campaign brings a fun and exciting spirit of competition, I think it is always important to note that blood donation is a year-round lifesaving act and we encourage everyone to make giving blood a habit throughout the year,” added Wiegers.
“Approximately 350 blood donations are needed every day to help cancer patients, accident victims, premature babies, and others receiving lifesaving care at our community hospitals,” she said, encouraging eligible blood donors to schedule a blood donation at any of MKBC’s regional donor centers, located in Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, Pittston, and Reading.
To donate blood, individuals must be at least 16 (parental consent required for 16-year-old blood donors), weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, and be feeling healthy. A full list of eligibility guidelines can be found on the MKBC website at www.GIVEaPINT,org.
Appointments can be made by calling 800-B-A-DONOR, (223-6667) ext. 2, online at www.GIVEaPINT.org, or via the MKBC App (available for download at Google Play or the Apple Store).
