Relying on the Generosity of Others
As a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization, Miller-Keystone Blood Center relies on the generosity of community businesses, government resources, foundations and individuals to help us achieve our goals and remain true to our mission of ensuring a safe, stable and constant blood supply in the 10 counties we serve.
We face an enormous challenge of maintaining a safe and adequate community blood supply to serve the hospital patients in our region. Much of that challenge is inherent in that there is no substitute for blood; the only source is the volunteer blood donor.
Blood that is donated has a short shelf life – 5 days for platelets and 42 days for red blood cells. That is why a constant stream of blood donors is necessary to ensure an ongoing supply of lifesaving blood products is available for the hospitals in our region.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mandates that all blood centers implement new laboratory technology and blood collection equipment as they become available. In addition to this mandate, we face strict Quality Assurance regulations and out-of-date equipment that must be replaced on a relatively continual basis. New equipment guarantees the safety of the blood supply and allows us to operate in the most cost-effective and productive manner possible.
We are privileged to have volunteer blood donors who roll up their sleeves to provide the community with the gift of life, and we remain grateful to all the volunteers who donate their time, talent and philanthropic support. It is only with their ongoing assistance that we can continue to ensure a safe and productive blood center.
Sandra D. Thomas, Director of Development
Sandra D. Thomas holds a Bachelors Degree in Social Work from Cedar Crest College, and a Masters Degree in Social Work from Marywood University. Ms. Thomas also serves as a Lieutenant with the U.S. Navy. She has served as Director of Development for Miller-Keystone Blood Center since 2001.
