With many people away during this period, blood donations seriously decline, sometimes forcing postponements in surgery.
By JUDY SIEGEL-ITZKOVICHBlood donation 370(photo credit: Courtesy MDA)
Magen David Adom is asking the public to take time off in the coming weeks of holidays through Independence Day to donate blood and save lives. With many people away during this period, blood donations seriously decline, sometimes even forcing postponements in elective surgery.Blood is collected not only at MDA stations around the country but also at bloodmobiles set up at shopping malls, tourist sites and other locations visited by many people.A special blood collection campaign will be held at Dizengoff Center in Tel Aviv during the intermediate days of Hol Hamoed (April 8 to April 11) between noon and 6 p.m. In addition, visitors to the Haifa Flower Exhibition will be able to give blood there from April 8 to April 10 between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m.Those visiting Mini Israel at Latrun may also give blood between the 8th and 11th from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.For updated information and more details, call 1-800-400-101 or go to the MDA website at www.mdais.org/dam.Meanwhile, MDA is gearing up for emergencies during the Passover holiday, with more than 100 medics on motorcycles, 75 mobile intensive care units and 250 regular ambulances. Hundreds of volunteers will join MDA staffers. Many of them will be on duty in shopping centers, nature areas, entertainment spots and other crowded locations during the holiday.
