Ichilov Hospital and 'Lema'anchem' Launch Trauma Treatment Center for Soldiers' Families

Ichilov Medical Center in Tel Aviv and the nonprofit organization Lema'anchem have signed an agreement to establish a new center for early intervention in trauma. This center will expand the existing Asif Trauma Treatment Center at Ichilov and provide free professional mental health care to reservists, security personnel, and their families. The initiative aims to facilitate early treatment to reduce the risk of chronic post-traumatic stress disorder and improve recovery outcomes.

The new center responds to a surge in trauma cases following the October 7 attacks and the ensuing war, with Ichilov reporting approximately 26,000 new war casualties since then, about 65% of whom suffer from mental distress. The center will operate from Lema'anchem's offices and be managed by the Asif Center's professional team, offering short-term focused therapy by clinical psychologists and social workers, alongside a triage system for rapid response. Patients needing longer or more complex care will be referred back to Ichilov for continued treatment.

At the signing ceremony, Ichilov CEO Prof. Eli Sprecher emphasized the importance of proactive community outreach, noting that trauma affects not only individuals but also their families, often called "invisible wounded." Lema'anchem founder Yossi Arbelich highlighted the urgent need for early mental health support for reservists, security forces, and their families, calling early intervention life-saving and crucial for building resilience. The partnership combines healthcare expertise, civil society, and philanthropy to address this national mental health crisis effectively.