Miller-Keystone Blood Center has announced that it is sponsoring a poster contest as part of its "My Blood Your Blood" educational program.

"My Blood Your Blood is an educational program designed to educate youth about blood biology, the necessity of blood to one's health and the importance of blood donation," said Sandra Thomas, director of Development, Miller-Keystone Blood Center. "The program was created for use in elementary school, middle school, high school or other community-based organizations, such as Boy/Girl Scouts or youth education programs."The theme of the poster contest is "Importance of Blood Donation."Each participating class will submit one 11-by-17 poster which must include the Miller-Keystone Blood Center logo; a statement regarding the important of blood donation or a fact learned from the "My Blood Your Blood" program; and a drawing, painting or any artwork using craft materials.All poster entries must be received by the Blood Center by May 1. Posters will be displayed at the Center's Bethlehem location, 1465 Valley Center Parkway, with voting taking place May 5-9 by donors, Blood Center staff and volunteers.On May 12, three winning entries will be announced: one elementary school, one middle school and one high school.Each winner will receive a class pizza party sponsored by the Blood Center, as well as free Italian ice certificates for each student. The winning posters will also be displayed permanently at the Blood Center's Bethlehem headquarters in recognition of the school's participation in both the "My Blood Your Blood" educational program and the poster contest."Our goal is that through the 'My Blood Your Blood' education program, students will learn how important blood is to their health, and be inspired to donate blood regularly when they are old enough to do so. These donations will be essential in the years to come because there is no substitute for human blood, nor can it be manufactured. As the population ages and medical technology advances, demand will outpace supply, meaning the future health of our community depends on educating our youth today."Poster entries should be submitted to: Miller-Keystone Blood Center, Attn: Sandra Thomas, 1465 Valley Center Parkway, Bethlehem, PA 18017. For more information, contact Thomas at 800-B-A-DONOR (223-6667) or

sthomas@giveapint.org.