Miller-Keystone Blood Center is encouraging individuals to donate blood during the month of November, which is recognized as Prematurity Awareness Month.

During pregnancy and/or labor, an expectant mother may require a transfusion if diagnosed with anemia, RH disease, Thalassemia, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura, or other illness. Placental abruption or hemorrhaging would also require a transfusion. A premature baby may need a blood transfusion if the baby is very anemic or has severe jaundice.

For information or to schedule a blood donation, call 800-B-A-DONOR (223-6667) or visit www. GIVEaPINT.org.

Donors may designate their donation by using the donor group name "Premature Birth Awareness" or donor group ID #7550 at registration.

Donors are encourage to wear purple when donating and to post photos on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, either tagging Miller-Keystone Blood Center or using the #MKBCdonate hashtag.