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Northampton County Council declares January 2025 National Blood Donor Awareness Month; accepts three charitable donations
Summary
Council adopted a resolution proclaiming January 2025 as National Blood Donor Awareness Month and unanimously approved three donations to county programs, including funds for Gracedale and a $1,000 gift to the Area Agency on Aging.
Northampton County Council voted unanimously to declare January 2025 as National Blood Donor Awareness Month and to accept three charitable donations for county programs.
The council adopted the blood-donor resolution by a 7-0 vote. The resolution, introduced and read during the meeting, names Miller Keystone Blood Center — which provides blood products to area hospitals — as a focus for local donation drives throughout the year.
The proclamation recognizes the national designation of Blood Donor Month and cites Miller Keystone Blood Center’s regional work. Lena Barberi, chief philanthropy officer for Miller Keystone Blood Center, told the council, “I’m overwhelmed… We are in a blood shortage and we’re so thankful for Northampton County, for council, for your employees.”
Council members also unanimously approved three separate resolutions accepting donations: $900 from the Military Order of the Purple Heart Lehigh Valley Chapter 190 to be split among Gracedale veteran personnel funds; an anonymous donation of 10 weighted stuffed cats and 10 weighted stuffed dogs, valued at $1,342.79, for Gracedale residents; and a $1,000 donation from St. Peter’s United Church of Christ to the Area Agency on Aging.
Council members cast affirmative votes for each item. The votes were recorded in roll call as follows: Council member Warren — yes; Council member Giovanni — yes; Council member Goffredo — yes; Council member Heckman — yes; Council member Keegan — yes; Council member Vargo Heffner — yes; Council member Corpora — yes. Each resolution was adopted by a vote of 7 to 0.
The council’s action places a public emphasis on blood donation locally and channels modest private contributions to Gracedale Nursing Home and older-adult services administered by the county’s Area Agency on Aging. Council members and county staff said the donations are intended to provide immediate, small-scale assistance — items for resident comfort and a discretionary fund for older adults in need.
The council scheduled public hearings and votes on other agenda items for future meetings; no further action was required for the donations and the blood-donor resolution after the roll-call approvals.
