Allentown Diocese begins annual blood drive on Sept. 19

The Diocese of Allentown began its third annual blood drive on Sept. 19. The diocese is partnering with the Miller-Keystone Blood Center for the campaign, which coincides with the feast of St. Januarius.

During the 2025 campaign, the partnership collected 821 units of blood, which was 40% more than the previous year, according to a diocesan press release. Bishop Alfred A. Schlert said that blood cannot be manufactured or replaced and must come from individuals willing to give to others.

Monika Kotlarska-Gross, the director of donor relations at Miller-Keystone, stated that blood is perishable and has no substitute other than volunteer donors. The center noted that a national shortage has left most centers across the country with only a one or two-day inventory.