American Red Cross

I donated platelets today, which I learned is quite a process. I was supported so nicely by both technicians Joe and Monica. I struggled through the process a bit and gave up at the hour mark due to increased anxiety and a full bladder. They both reassured me that I was still a great contributor and that I would know better what to expect next time. I needed that reassurance because I am typically an overachiever and care about what people think. Thanks for making me feel better. The location itself is also well-​run, clean and organized. I will go back there again for sure … but maybe just to donate blood.

Yesterday was my first time going into the Red Cross. I was able to schedule an appt to donate blood the day prior, and was in and out of within 1 hour. Which is great considering I was a first time donor.
The questions, and testing to see if I had enough red blood cells, only took about 10 – 15 mins. And getting my blood taken, took about 15 mins. Followed by another 15 mins of relaxing, and eating cookies before I left.
Every single staff member I had contact with was very nice, and caring. They knew it was my first time and kept asking if I was okay, and felt okay afterwards. It was a great experience and I feel proud for doing something completely selfless. And already have my second appt set up to donate in April!

2^nd time here donation platelets in last few months and appt was at 5pm. Got here about 5:06. It’s already 5:30 and not one has come to do mini physical yet. Seems like they are always short handed or slow. Not sure. I don’t mind donating, but don’t waste my time. If it happened once, no big deal but it seems to be a pattern.

Every now and then I’m reminded to donate blood when I see blood drives around town. Most of the times I am unable to because my iron level would be low. I am so happy when I am able to give because I know I am helping someone who needs it.
This facility has a friendly staff and a clean environment. The process was quick and easy. I bring my own green juice to drink afterwards, and may nosh on a few snacks… and there are plenty to choose from.
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They have a friendly staff, unlimited snacks and sharp needles. What else do you need?

Its a good donation center. You can do blood or platlets. The donation times are about average. The staff is friendly.

When I first started donating blood in High School I must confess that I did not have the best of intentions. Blood Drives were always held once a semester and the process usually took up the entire class period. I always volunteered the class period I had that was before lunch which was perfect because I spent an hour or so, socializing and getting free snacks and then it was lunch time!
After high school, my job at the time, also held blood drives in the parking lot which was also convenient. It did not take as long but I was away from the office at least 30mins or so.
In present time, the convenience is gone. My work now no longer host blood drives and I am hardly at school when it comes to activities outside my classes.
This donation center is pretty great! The place is spacious and very clean looking! They are very organized and their snack table is full of treats! I am more than happy to help out and with a center like this one, it makes helping out much, much easier!
To top it off, when they have great employees like Joe, that make the process go by so quick… I wish I didn’t have to wait for two months until my next donation!

If you don’t know what the American Red Cross is all about, pull you head out of your ass and educate yourself. One day, you may be in need of blood and it’s the generous people who donate and those who help facilitate the process that make it happen.
I would donate even without the gift incentives — this time around the offer was tickets for two, to a stand up comedy show.
The staff were all very informative and friendly. Some more than others but no one I came across was outright rude or unprofessional.

I am a huge fan of giving blood because it is such an easy way of paying forward. This Red Cross location is smaller than what I was used to in West LA, but it is clean and well managed. Sometimes the check-​in people are a bit out there, but overall they are nice and polite. The nurses are very professional and feel very confident when they are obtaining my blood.
I must give blood around the same time, because they always have the Wendy Williams show on. Please change the channel!!!
You can’t beat the juice and snacks after you give. I have learned that the Cheez-​its are the most desired snack. Grab them quickly!
Please go and give blood!

I’ve been donating blood since I joined the Marines. I remember in boot camp that if you donate blood it gives you a few hours away from the Drill Instructors and actually get some «pogey bait» (if you were in the Corps you would know how good pogey bait are!). And, ever since then I’ve been donating blood.
So 56 days or 8 weeks between donation and it’s very if you have every looked at the questionnaire you would know that it eliminates a lot of potential donor, so if you can please donate. Yes, it saves 3 lives every time you donate and you’ll never know if the live you save is someone you love.
Another good thing, is that my blood is CMV Negative, which is very helpful for infants and people undergoing organ transplant. 50%-85% of adults are will be in contact with CMV, so it’s even rare that if you know you’re CMV– you should donate every 56 days!
For me, the main reason is the first paragraph. That few hours away from the DI’s gave me sometime to feel relaxed and it’s been plenty full paying it forward.

I make jokes about the Red Cross supplying the Vampires their supply, but I love the Red Cross. My Grandfather was the Secretary General of the Philippines Red Cross and flew to Geneva every year and then to visit me right afterwards, for months at a time. So this is a very special memory to me.
I started in 2010, when I realized life was about more than just me and in memory of my Lolo to donate to the Red Cross. I have donated all the different levels that they have of blood donations, though the names and terminologies escape me at the moment.
I have even done those long plasma and blood, basically everything they can take from you donations. Almost finished the «King’s Speech» while doing it. Yeah they give you a personal Monitor and you get to choose from a drawer full of movies.
Like Leslie W. I am O+ and they call me frequently, more so now since I have been so busy with work and family that I haven’t been able to make any donations for the last 6 months.
Now that I found out that they will be open on Sundays for a short time, I may drop in and donate some. even if just to give some blood, no plasma stuff.
Anyways. Donate. It saves lives and we all need to do some good in this world.

My father died of cancer during the summer.
His life was extended because people donated blood. He had several transfusions during his treatment.
I’ve been donating blood since I was in college. I try to go regularly. It is much easier to remember these days, as they will call you or send you emails. I’m O+, so I get called as soon as I’m eligible to donate.
This facility is always professional. I never have to wait for long to get my vitals done. I’ve always had good luck with the techs who draw your blood. There was only one time that I couldn’t finish a donation because the needle went too far. Everyone is willing to let you sit and be quiet or engage you in chat.
They do have the apheresis (sp?) machines, but I’m not that brave, yet.
Good snacks. Easy parking and weekend hours.
Go donate today! (I’m working in my 3^rd gallon.)