The challenge with the appointment system is that it doesn't tie to the resources available at the center. In my case while I had booked the appointment in advance, the shortage of staff created some challenges and there was a very long wait time and I had to get back to work after the donation. Mayko, the manager here went out of her way to help and I was able to donate. She is an amazing person and a wonderful manager at this center. Thank you Mayko for all your support today. read more

During these difficult times, it's hard to donate much. All I could do was donate my time and a little part of me. I opt to donate platelets because I've had an adverse reaction to donating whole blood and my veins aren't big enough for plasma. Apheresis works well since I have small rolling veins. You have a donor arm and the other is the return. In between is a machine like a dialysis machine that extracts the platelets that look like dense scrambled eggs. Recovery time is faster for me than whole blood donation. The staff here are friendly, kind and appreciative of all the donors. Everything is sterilized well. Total time, if you do your Rapid Pass at home (questionnaire) is about 2.5 hours. Just remember to dry a lot of water the night before. Additional bonuses are you get rewarded for donating, you get an email where your plasma goes to and what type of patient received your platelets, usually, they're cancer patients. The knowledge that you helped just one person is the best reward for me. read more

American Red Cross Donor Center - We should try to do what we can - Blood & Plasma Donation Centers Near Me - Newark, California

Today was my second time donating platelets and if I'm being completely honest, if you are going to donate platelets here I recommend having someone other than Alvin take care of you. My first time ever donating platelets was earlier this year, and I had him both then and today. The first time, he completely forgot to tell me that you're supposed to squeeze the thingy every few seconds (like I said, first time ever giving platelets so I had no idea..) -- Fine, no biggie. What this taught me was to ask questions because the staff may forget to tell you things. Fast forward to today. I come in and I get Alvin again. This time the dude accidentally causes a vein infiltration in my right arm which was surprisingly painful. I ask him a bunch of questions to try to gauge what to look out for (lesson learned from 1st visit). He even jokingly asks me, "Which visit was worse?" As I'm walking away / done with the apheresis, I stop on my way out to read one of the flyers at the lobby and I could hear him -- probably thinking that I had walked out by now -- gossiping with his colleague about how many questions I asked. TL;DR: get somebody other than Alvin to do your apheresis. I also found the lady at the front counter to not be a very warm and fuzzy person, but maybe she was just having a bad day so idk. On a positive: the nurse who checked me in and did the questionnaire, Nurse Lam or Lim I believe, was very nice. But yeah I'm probably just gonna donate at the SJ location from now on. read more

I came here for the first time during the holiday season to donate blood. I had kept meaning to for months! Finally I made an appointment and the whole intake to the end of blood donation took about 1 hour, not including time to rest. The staff was so friendly and caring that it made the blood donation all the more easier. If you do donate blood, be sure to drink plenty of fluids prior to appt. The woman who took my blood said that if you are well hydrated, blood donation should only take 10 min. I'm hoping to be a regular blood/platelet donor! read more

I usually donate 4 to 5 times a year. I've been coming to this location for awhile now. Never had any issues with the facility or staff. I would like to take this time and make a special shout-out to the best phlebotomist MARIA. Maria has been with this company for 15 years. What a great person and kind soul. She makes you feel comfortable when she's doing your pre interview and when she takes your blood. Another thing I'd like to add about Maria. She is so knowledgeable with all the medical thing she talks about. If anyone from the RedCross is reading this. Please recognize this lady and think about moving her up in the ranks. Her dedication to the business and patients is by far the best. God bless. Thank you Maria. read more

Came here today 10/17/23 to donate whole blood. Alvin greeted me right away. He was so professional, friendly and made me feel very comfortable. My process was painless and fast. The staff was kind and seemed like they really love their job! I will be back to this office because of my good experience. Way to go Alvin! read more

American Red Cross Donor Center - After care snacks. - Blood & Plasma Donation Centers Near Me - Newark, California

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Really nice group of people and reception and techs. Talk about giving back this is the one thibg you can do to help out a fellow human in need. There is various options like whole blood,platlets and plasma apheresis. They will explain thoroughly and ask you a bunch of questions to see if you are actually a candidate. Your iron level or hemoglobin must be a certain level also to donate. So make an appointment and take your time. They have the best snacks everr! read more

I've been coming to this location for years and have always had positive experiences. The phlebotomists go out of their way to ensure that you're feeling comfortable and at ease throughout the whole process of donating. I've always felt more than confident in their abilities and in their taking care of me. I will definitely continue to come to this location and donate for years to come. Thank you, Red Cross in Newark! read more

I've donated with this location of the American Red Cross twice or thrice now, and each time has been merely an average experience. I really like giving blood because it's doing a good deed, but sometimes average experiences make it really difficult to want to go back to donate. I think the people who work here are much more comfortable socialising with the other workers, instead of the blood donors, but I think sometimes the blood donors would like someone to talk to them to distract from the needle sticking out from their arm. Some of the workers are a bit cold, just doing their jobs, while others try a little harder to interact but don't end up doing a great job with conversation. On my past visit, the phlebotomist who inserted the needle into my arm wasn't the most talkative, and she just stood there for five minutes while she collected my blood. Afterwards, she just took the needle out of my arm, and told me to wait for 15 minutes in the snack area. My friend was also donating blood with me on the same day, so while waiting for him, one of the other workers started talking to me. Her conversation with me redeemed this visit! In all honesty, if you're looking for a quick blood donation experience, this is a good place to go. If you're a little nervous each time you donate blood and need someone to talk to, I would find another location to visit! As a side note though, the hours of this Red Cross are quite inconvenient. They close quite early (6:30 PM on Tuesday-Thursday, 3 PM on Friday-Sunday), so it might be difficult to get here to donate blood if you work 9-5 every day. Your best bet would be Saturday or Sunday if you're free then. read more

American Red Cross Donor Center - Blood & Plasma Donation Centers Near Me - Newark, California

I've donated 9-10 times, all but 2 of them here. Today I had a terrible experience which has me rethinking returning here or even donating ever again. Long story short, the person helping me was not able to get my vein (this has not happened before) and left me with a welt. No body else tried to help and really didn't seem to care. read more

American Red Cross Donor Center - Blood & Plasma Donation Centers Near Me - Newark, California

I am sorry to have to leave such a review, but after donating 60 units of blood at this particular Red Cross, I have never been treated so poorly. I am unsure if it was a bad day or new staffing, but after the disregard for my time in making an appointment and taking the time to do the rapid pass to assist with timing, being told that I could just reschedule after the rapid pass would not reload was a bit disrespectful of my time and effort to come give my 61st pint of blood! I hope the staff will take a more respectful look at how to treat donors so as to not deter them from donating. I will be looking for a new place to donate. Donors deserve respect and understanding of the time they are taking to come give blood to help others in need. read more

Please go to other center. This place lack of professionalism, and simple courtesy. They ask people to reschedule if they running behind. They ask people to reschedule if they temp check just slightly on the borderline, even during the hot summer and their AC wasn't properly running. Wasted my time twice, last year and early this year, and this is despite the blood shortage. Apparently the staff didn't get that memo. read more

Have not been in a couple of months Because of an antibiotic, I was taking plan to donate Soon you don't feel anything When you donate It only takes a little While they are open saturdays The staff are all fantastic In front and back office Don't mind doing it You never know who needs it It saved a family member years ago So I don't mind to give to the cause They can't make this item In the lab It could save someone you know and Love or a different person who knows Where read more

I want to thank Mayko for making my first experience an awesome one. I didn't catch the name of receptionist, but staff overall very professional! Also, compared to the donor bank I normally visit, Mayko was very informative and showed far more experience. Customer service overall met all expectations! Thanks read more

I don't know why but this is the second or third time of me being here where I am not happy with the staff. I feel the way thy talk is short & rude. Honestly today makes me not want to donate anymore read more

I had never donated blood before, but hearing that there was a blood shortage, I made an appointment to give blood for the first time. There were a few people being served as I arrived, then the place really thinned out. The woman I first dealt with was friendly, took me to a room and got my information. While I was actually donating blood, the first woman had allergies, so she turned me over to another person. I guess my blood donation was taking too long - 12 min. This person did not seem happy, told me that next time my goal should be to donate in less than 10 min! Oh really?! She continued to say that the reason I was taking longer than the average time was because I must have been dehydrated. Well, I followed instructions and hydrated a few hours in advance - 2 glasses of water, plus breakfast! I felt I was getting lectured to as a FIRST TIME DONER! In addition, during the whole time, the workers are constantly talking to each other and working on some boxes over to the side. I would have appreciated some friendly talk as I was a bit nervous due to this new process. Anyway, I'm reluctant to donate blood, especially at this location, in the future. The workers that I dealt with are unprofessional and appear to dislike their jobs! read more

I only gave 2 and not 5. Here is why...plain and simple. I love the warm greetings and great service here from the employees and phlebotomists here.... The hours are so inconvenient and they are barely open. I get emails and postal mail to donate blood and platelets. But because I do not want to take a drive elsewhere because this location is literally down the street. Many people that could use my O + blood type get nothing because of inconvenience. I am sorry to say and admit. If you want more donors, change your hours. I have not donated in almost 9 months. I used to donate every 8wks religiously. If your facility can't be flexible with it's schedule.... Then please have more blood drive trailers at kaiser parking lot like you used to... read more

I must admit, my main reason for donating is for the snacks, but it's nice to know that the people drawing your blood have a good heart. I've been switching between this one and the Red Cross on First St in San Jose, and I do love the hospitality of this place. Right when you walk in, they greet you, have you sign in, and read the informational pamphlet. It's pretty routine if you go enough. There isn't really much of a line, but you do have to wait for a phlebotomist (that's who they are right?) to free up if all the recliners are taken. When it's your turn, they lead you to the room to make sure that you're able to donate that day or not. Everyone that has drawn my blood here has always been a pleasure to talk to, professional, and very informational about anything you ask. Once it gets down to the business, they're there with you pretty much the whole time. Checking twice on everything, making sure that you're feeling alright, it's like getting pampered, but you're losing a pint of blood at the same time. After all that is done, they have you stay in the quarantine area (I'm pretty sure that's what they call it) for 15 mins before you leave and have all the snacks and juice you want! (Insert evil, but weak laugh here) The people that work in the quarantine area are volunteers, so they're taking time out of their day, also not getting paid, to cater to your every need. If you go on the right days, they have free stuff they give out to people that donate blood. Probably the coolest thing I got was a Red Cross sponsored shirt that said "I Bleed Red and Gold" and the guy that was working at the time let me take another one with me for my boyfriend, which was also pretty awesome. They do give out Girl Scout cookies when they are in season, and I mean a whole box. I have never felt uncomfortable, waited too long, rushed, pressured, or irritated while being at this Donor Center. I'll be back in a month or so to donate again! read more

What's going on Red Cross? You guys keep calling for me to go in because you're short on blood. You're unable to schedule me to an appointment because it's booked, but you highly suggest walking in for a walk in. There's been 3 attempts now to donate blood-- and you guys aren't accommodating us because it is booked. I totally understand that you're booked and will be able to see us when you can. It doesn't make us feel any better when the staff comes back from lunch, SLOWLY, as well as walking around SLOWLY and YAWNING into their hands. This location is open 7:30AM-2:30PM on a Saturday... if you're yawning and taking our blood, I fear my lovely veins will be bruised from tiredness or lack of sleep. Don't party too hard on a Friday night if you're working Saturday morning. Your'e the ones poking us with a pointy stick! read more

This was my first time donating blood at this Red Cross location. I must say, the employees here lack good bedside manner. With the exception of the volunteers, the workers here were uniformly sullen and unfriendly. Luckily, they were competent enough to stick me only once for the blood donation. But I really think that had more to do with my excellent veins than their overall competence. I was also left waiting for 45 minutes after my appointment time before I could sit through their screening and blood draw. The blood donation itself took less than 10 minutes, but I was there for 1 hour and 15 minutes, not including cookie time. I will probably donate at a different location next time, unless I feel really motivated to give blood, like I did today. read more

I've given blood all over the country and by far I love this location BESTEST! I always make my appt online via http://www.redcrossblood.org/ My first visit I was a bit weary at first: it's in a strip mall, the front area looks tiny, the receptionist had no clue. But now I know, there is always plenty of parking, they move you through quickly, and the front desk is staffed by darling volunteers. They love on you lots, especially when they know you give blood often. One time I had a newer phlebotomist but another one quickly realized they were a bit "off" in what they were doing so they took over with hardly an interruption in the process. They have lots of fun Red Cross tidbits and information, super good snackies to recharge with, and always a volunteer to do my bidding :) read more

I have been donating blood here for years. Except for once, it has always been a good experience. The one time that it wasn't it was a phlebotomist that I was unfamiliar with. Just to be on the safe side, ask for one of the "regulars" there like Kulwinder, Wendi, Brenda, or Abel. I may be forgetting someone. Anyway, those phlebotomists are great, for sure. Entire staff is friendly. Donating blood is a good habit to get into. You can save so many lives. read more

One four star service one two star service so far. I went in to donate today and they said that my blood pressure was 120/100 so I couldn't donate. If my blood pressure was 120/100, I wouldn't be standing. I went home and took it with my digital cuff, got the normal 145/95 (A bit high but normal). I think they either need new cuffs or new reading techniques. Previous review: This place is an operations management nightmare. With only one other donor in the clinic when I walked in, it took no less than an hour and a half to donate a unit of whole blood. That was 10 minutes on the chair with a needle in my arm, 10 minutes in recovery, and an hour and ten minutes waiting through their screening process. It seemed the person had to leave to "go get something" after every few questions, as if the paperwork was stored on the other end of the building and they couldn't carry more than one sheet of paper at a time. There is no sense of urgency among the staff there. It's like they're all stoned and on autopilot. read more

This facility cancelled TWO scheduled appointments within this month. They cancelled my appointments at the very last second with little to NO explanation. This demonstrates sheer incompetence and unprofessionalism. DO NOT DONATE TO THIS FACILITY. read more

I have been giving blood since the age of 17 . I had the most worst experience at the Newark center yesterday. Volunteers or on payroll.If you have taken someones bloodpressure (the correct way) and its 200/90 and you tell me to wait a few more minutes and send someone else in. Then they say oh yeah its even higher. Maybe wait again.Im thinking has anyone ever thought maybe I could have needed medical attention. Should have offered me water or to lie down. The staff that was working seemed clueless. What a shame!! What is happening to AMR?????? read more

Just went today after a 10 year break and still a wonderful operation. The tech Andrea was extremely caring and nice to chat with during the blood draw and afterwards. I walked in on a Monday around 2:15pm and was the only person there, so the entire process took less than an hour. read more

My mom really wanted to donate blood, so her and I came here on a Saturday for some quality time together. She was pretty nervous since it was her first time, but all of the staff were extremely sweet and put her worries at rest. By the end of the whole experience, she had already planned on when she was coming back next. Plus, you get free snacks after your donation! read more

I've donated blood with American Red Cross numerous times with no problem. Went into The Newark center today to make a difference but received the worst service ever by this lady, just because I am "too light but 5lbs". When I asked if they had a scale since I haven't weighed myself in a while and probably heavier now, she said "nope, you told me 105 and that's that, we cannot proceed with this donation right now." Yet she tried to make me finish the donator survey even though we weren't going through with it. Waste of my time and she had such bad attitude, like I had to beg her to take my blood. read more

Super friendly staff. If you're nervous - don't be. They will make sure you feel okay and you are comfortable. Plus, they have great snacks! read more

I've donated with the Red Cross 116 times. The FNBC staff is always pleasant and helpful, especially the volunteers. the entire process almost always goes smoothly from check in to cookies (It's about the cookies) just keep in mind that there's a great deal of process and screening that goes on so you're going to be a little while in the screening room. It's the process, not the staff so don't get upset with them. P.S. I miss the Nutter Butters. read more

The staff is great and helpful. They will do everything they can for you to make you fee comfortable.

I have donated several gallons of blood over the years, mostly in Newark. I think this place is getting worse all the time. I have had several times where I make an appointment and they are not ready. I understand if it is in the middle of the day for them to be a few mins late but not 40 mins. What is the point of making an appointment. Today I was the first appointment and they did not even open the door at 11:30. I do not get it. I have to be on time for work and ready to go when School starts why do they have to be ready. No person at the desk. They were not ready. I said I am not going to wait because I knew they were going to take longer then an hour. I think this should be able to be done in an hour. . The people to draw the blood are ok but I think American Red Cross is trying to cut too many corners and now things take so long. After you get in the chair that is when they make up the bucket with the bags. That was already done in the past. We are the ones giving. They are the ones taking. They should be showing us the service. After 20 years of donations I think I am ready to stop or go find another place to donate. I am tired of this!!! read more

I've given blood here once. Everyone here from the nurses, to the ambassadors, to the people at the front desk are extremely nice. Intend on coming here regularly to give blood! :) read more

I am a huge supporter and participant in blood donations, but the Red Cross call centers are going too far in there attempts to get blood. I receive numerous calls a day from numerous different numbers, and I've stopped answering, because each time I do I feel like I am being forced into donating. I understand that there is a blood shortage, but if I see an opportunity I will donate when I AM ABLE TO. I do not need someone on the phone calling and flat out being like, "I have appointments Monday and Wednesday at noon and 3:30 which time do you want to come donate blood?" They just assume and try to coerce me into donating. Today, they took it a step further, because I told the person on the phone that I am unable to donate blood because I have low iron, which has prevented me from donating the past two times I've tried. The woman goes on to tell me that I can fix that my altering my diet among other things; I told her that I do not need to go further into an explanation of my medical issue, and asked to be taken off the call list. The woman then goes, "Okay I will take you off the list for three months" At this point I am furious, but am glad that their calls will at least stop for a little. After this the woman then informs me that it takes time to be removed from the call list so I "should expect two calls a day for the next few weeks." I am beyond irritated at the Red Cross. I love donating blood and take advantage of every opportunity I have to do it, but harassing me with phone calls, pressuring me into donating, and dismissing my statements that a medical condition currently is preventing me from donating is just plain wrong. read more