Israel secures backup blood supply

Issue of August 8, 2008

In the event of a national catastrophe, Israel will have access to a backup American blood supply, thanks to a contingency agreement between America’s Blood Centers and Magen David Adom.

America’s Blood Centers is one of the largest networks of community-based blood programs, facilitating half of the U.S. and all of Canadian blood donations. This collaboration ensures that if a national emergency, such as an earthquake or epidemic, hits Israel, America’s Blood Centers would supplement Israel’s dwindling supply.

Robert Kern, director of Marketing and Communications for The American Friends of Magen David Adom, explains an additional consideration.

“We thought that American Jews would respond favorably knowing that America’s Blood Centers is a partner with Magen David Adom on this,” he remarked. “As residents of this country, it is important to give blood in America, just as it is important to give blood in Israel. Donating blood is a good, personal way to help society, whether it is this [American] society, or Israeli society.”

Although blood donated in America will not be delivered to Israel in most situations, and Israel has never before needed an outside blood supply, this collaboration can prevent large-scale damage for future disasters.