Blood donation saves lives and so does the IDF.

In the year 2022, 265,000 blood pints were donated by Israeli citizens––an amount that can save thousands of lives. Within that number, the IDF contributed 66,098 donations––equaling 30% of all donations.

The IDF decided to create the IDF Blood Donation Services Battalion in order to help save lives. This battalion is in charge of connecting the IDF and Magen David Adom–––Israel’s national emergency pre-hospital medical and blood services organization. Together, they go around several times a week to IDF bases all across Israel, to give IDF soldiers the opportunity to save lives.

When it comes to donating blood, the IDF Blood Donation Services Battalion makes sure that soldiers––in mandatory service and reserve duty––are always ready and qualified to give donations. The battalion meets six times a year to keep up with the latest technology and updates in all things blood donation related. They then practice in real time, simulating donations and going into real donation stations. The practices make a true difference as they become ready and qualified to take as many blood pints as possible.

Matan––Res. SSGT in the IDF Blood Donation Services Battalion––explains about his experience in the IDF: 

“Starting as a combat soldier in the Kfir Battalion, I decided to become a combat medic and later on a commander in the course. At the end of my mandatory services, I went on to the IDF Blood Donation Services Battalio course and passed. I joined the IDF Blood Donation Services Battalio because I know how crucial blood donations are. Think about the difference that one pint can do and multiply that by 10; that’s how many pits I help donate per day.

“During Covid-19, we did a 60 day reserve duty. There was a serious shortage of blood because people were staying home due to the pandemic. When we came to do reserve duty, we went to a variety of places outside of the army to collect blood donations.

We do this out of the bottom of our hearts, it's our passion. Just one donation can save many lives and I’m proud to be a part of it.”Avi––A reserve commander in the IDF Blood Donation Services Battalion

Happy World Blood Donation Day!