For the First Time in Israel: Magen David Adom Launches a Unique Blood Donation Project in Residential Buildings
Israel’s healthcare system and the IDF are currently facing a severe shortage of blood units, particularly type O. People injured at missile impact sites and on the battlefield need blood to save their lives, as do patients and women giving birth in hospitals and communities across the country. MDA’s National Blood Services is working creatively to make blood donation even more accessible to the Israeli public in light of the missile threat, the Home Front Command’s instructions to remain near sheltered spaces, and the understandable hesitation many citizens feel when presented with the idea of leaving their homes.
Magen David Adom is launching a new, first-of-its-kind initiative: placing mobile blood donation units in residential buildings across the country. The initiative allows the Israeli public, who during emergencies typically fill blood donation sites in a moving display of Israeli solidarity at its best, to take part in the national effort and donate blood to help save lives.
The first pilot took place in Givatayim, in a 15-story building equipped with a standard bomb shelter. In cooperation with the building’s residents’ committee, messages were sent to all tenants. Donors who arrived at the shelter-based donation site told MDA teams that they had wanted to donate blood but were hesitant to leave their homes due to Home Front Command instructions and the security situation. The new initiative allows them to donate blood in a familiar and safe environment, close to a protected space and in accordance with Home Front Command guidelines, while helping save lives.
Communities that would like to take part in the project must meet several criteria:
- Enough residents eligible to donate blood (according to Ministry of Health guidelines, preferably under age 60 and not first-time donors).
- A certified protected space or underground parking facility approved by the Home Front Command.
- Advance coordination and confirmed participation from residents.
To coordinate a blood donation drive in residential buildings, please call 03-6610530, Sunday–Thursday between 08:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
MDA is prepared to set up about 15 blood donation beds in any suitable underground space, depending on the location and the site’s logistical capabilities. After initial contact is made, an MDA representative will visit in advance to assess the site, and mobile blood donation units will then be stationed.
Uri Shaham, Chief of Staff at Magen David Adom, said: "Magen David Adom is ready to expand blood donation efforts wherever the public is. At a time when movement is restricted and people are concerned about gathering in public spaces, we are bringing our mobile blood donation units right to people’s doorsteps. Every unit of blood saves lives, especially during a complex security situation like this. I invite building committees and residents who meet the criteria to contact our coordinators and take part in this special initiative."
MDA emphasizes that maintaining a sufficient blood supply is a critical and ongoing need, especially during emergencies, and thanks the thousands of Israelis who have donated blood in recent days to help save lives.
Information about blood donation locations across the country is available on the MDA website at http://www.mdais.org/dam. The public is encouraged to schedule a donation appointment through the website and complete the donor questionnaire sent to their mobile phone prior to arrival.
