MDA israel

Monday saw the long awaited dedication of the brand new Marcus National Blood Services Center (MNBSC). The building, unique in its design with an underground, protected blood bank, is the first of its kind the world. It will provide blood services to Israel's population for decades to come. 

The center, named in honor of major donors Bernie and Billi Marcus who joined by video conference from Florida, cost $130 million to build, with donors from Friends' Societies from Israel and around the world, led by the American Friends of Magen David Adom. The event was attended by Fred and Michael, Mr. and Mrs. Marcus' sons, representatives of MDA's Friends' Societies from across the world along with many of the donors. Other major donors included Dr. Miriam Adelson and her late husband Sheldon. 

Also in attendance were many dignitaries, including the President of the State of Israel Isaac Herzog, the Israeli Defense and Health Ministers, Members of Knesset, Medical Officers from the IDF, the senior management team of Magen David Adom, led by Director General Eli Bin and Deputy Director General of Blood Services Prof. Eilat Shinar, and local representatives. 

Entertainment was provided by drum group Tararam and the Shalva Band.  

The MNBSC will also house Magen David Adom's logistics division. 

The new building, replacing the old building that was built in the 80s of the last century will not only protect Israel's vital blood supplies, but will also double the blood bank's capability, enabling half a million units of blood to be processed each year, up from 270,000 units currently. 

The MNBSC is unique in many ways. It will allow the blood bank to continue operations even under threat of war and is protected against both missiles and earthquakes that occur from time to time in Israel, which sits on major fault lines. There is a secure cold room that can hold tens of thousand of units of blood while Israel is under threat. 

Magen David Adom collects 97% of all Israel's blood donations, and thanks to the new MNBSC is prepared for the coming decades, during war times and peace times, to provide safe, secure, and readily available supply of blood units and products. 

Thanks to Magen David Adom's donors and Friends' Societies in Israel and across the world, led by the Marcus Family and AFMDA, Israelis can be sure that their blood supplies are in safe and plentiful hands for many years.