Very clean facility with lots of post-bloodwork snacks! However, the front desk upon entering the building wasn't too friendly and welcoming. This was a little jarring since it was my first time visiting but all the other staff were lovely! Planning on coming back here to donate :) read more

I've donated blood at various donation centers, including hospitals, and the American Red Cross in Philadelphia is one of my favorites. The donation room itself is very bright and clean, which allows for a favorable experience. The staff is very nice also. I'd have to say more recently, not so much in the past. Hopefully the changes they've incorporated with the staff to allow for more positive experience stay in place. read more

Big fan of donating bodily fluids to a bank that will use said fluids for lifesaving treatments. In particular, I enjoy giving over whole blood and platelets. The platelet donation is less fun, because it takes somewhere between 2-3 hours, and they have to puncture both arms (draw blood from one arm, send the blood into a machine so that the platelets can be separated from the blood, and then send the blood back to you via the other arm). But you know what? Small price to pay to help someone in need. In particular, platelets go to individuals who are fighting serious illness such as cancer, and the platelets can really make a world of difference for them. And it honestly does not hurt that much. Still not convinced to donate? Well they also have Netflix, and you can binge watch whatever you want while you're sitting in the donor's chair for 2+ hours. I just finished off Cobra Kai, myself. Last time, I plowed through 5 episodes of Seinfeld. Last bit of convincing I have for you - they have snacks! You get to sip on some "tropical juice" and eat Oreos or Cheez-Its or those Welch's gummy snacks or Nutter Butters... Not to sound like a dude in a windowless van, but it is a good reason to donate. *opens door and ushers you inside, looks behind you to make sure nobody is following, slowly shuts the door* Not but seriously - if you have never donated or it has been a while, and you're able to donate, please consider doing so. People's lives literally depend on it, and it costs you $0. Peace! read more

This could be why we have a blood shortage. The people running these collection stations are down right rude. We are here donating our time and blood. You would think the ones running it would be appreciative. Not at all. They appeared to be miserable to even be there. They are volunteers. If you don't want to do it then don't. Your not helping a cause by making others that are there to help make a difference miserable and unwelcome as if we were an inconvenience. read more

I started coming here monthly when I was living in the city because the convenience of the location and because they have a plasma machine. I'm attaching a bunch of pictures with info about donating blood (the different types of donations, the need for donations, good sources of iron, etc) to this page even though they aren't showing up with my review. I've gotten to know some of the staff at this location pretty well as a regular. They entertain all my questions about donating blood so I can share with friends. They are also good at taking care of us and following protocol when someone is showing certain symptoms (cold or tingling feeling while donating, feeling dizzy after, etc). I've interacted with other donors too to ask why they donate, and answers have ranged from "I don't know anyone who needs blood, but if I can maintain good enough health to help someone then I'll do it" to "I know people who've had cancer and relied on blood donations so I want to help someone else." Donating blood in general: Hydrate lots before you plan to donate and if you aren't feeling well the day of (dizzy, coughing, etc) then wait till another time to donate. I'm anemic and donate regularly, I take iron supplements and try to consume a lot of iron-rich foods with vitamin C to increase my iron absorption. For adults, women need a hemoglobin count of 12.5 and men need 13.0. These levels are higher than normal not only for your own safety but then also to benefit whoever receives the donation! I've often been deferred for low iron so I'm including more info in the pics to help with that. During your visit, they can prick up to two fingers (the middle or ring finger but you'll have to remove the ring) on either hand to determine your hemoglobin and eligibility (they may even ask for a 2nd person to do the 2nd prick). In between the two tries they encourage you to rub your ringers together to get the blood flowing. If you are deferred you have to wait till the next day to try donating again but I've found that it won't change that much for me in just one day. Administrative stuff: Save yourself some time by completing the Rapid Pass questionnaire online beforehand. Only whole blood donations are available on a walk-in basis, but I strongly recommend that for the sake of your own time you try to schedule it ahead of time with the Blood Donor app or by calling. The benefit of also using the app is that you can track where your donation goes to! Even when you have a scheduled appointment, there can also still be a wait if there are a lot of people donating at once when there is limited staff. Also keep in mind that Saturdays the person scheduling appointments only works a half day so if you schedule a non-whole blood donation through the app on Friday the paperwork may not be ready for you to donate on Saturday. Donating whole blood: This may take up to 1 hour depending on the individual and you have to wait 56 days till you can donate again. These are the donations you see at blood drives and they can accept walk ins for this type of donation but only four people can donate at a time at this location. Donating plasma: Usually it takes me about 2 hours from when I arrive to when I leave and I can donate plasma every 28 days. I first learned from a mailer that there is a greater need for me to donate plasma because only 3% of Americans have my blood type and that it's used as a filler blood for trauma patients before they have time to determine their blood type. They stay by your side the entire time to monitor you. Unfortunately, there is only one plasma machine here and not all the phlebotomists are qualified to work it, so there are very specific times you can schedule appointments. Sometimes the machine is down for maintenance and they haven't always notified me when that happens so I had to come back another time to donate plasma. Donating platelets: Usually it takes me about 3 hours from when I arrive to when I leave and you can donate platelets every 7 days. They have a lot more platelet machines so there's usually more appointment times for this than plasma. They can stick just one arm (takes longer, but better if you want to be able to use one hand to do something) or two arms (faster but not for folks like me who can't sit still). You could bring your own device or use their DVD player (they have a lot of DVDs you can choose from). I'm so inspired by these donors who come every other week even though it's so time-consuming! There's even a Facebook group I'm part of called "American Red Cross Platelet Donors Group" where other regular donors share testimonies and we encourage one another. I've found that when I want to bring a friend to donate blood it only works out if I go earlier and that friend donates whole blood to try to end around the same time. I'm giving 5 stars not because they are perfect but because of the great need for blood every single day and I hope you'll consider donating at this location! read more

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I'm so disappointed on the RC rules. First. They didn't have scale to check my weight. So MA/Nurse asked my weight I was 49 kg this morning before breakfast. But then they said I could not donate blood because it was under 110 lbs. I believe after breakfast and drink I will be over that. Because they DID not have scale she could not check my correct weight and again !! I even suggested to her that I would go to closest weight machine/scale, check my weight, take picture and come back to donate my blood. I was turned away to give blood which could have saved a life. Been healthy all my life and this rule really disappoint me because I checked my weight early 5 am and they could not check my correct weight. Drove 35 min waited 35 min for NOTHING. And just checked my weight : 50.30 kg = 110.89 lbs. Really no one could make a wise decision here !!!! read more

American Red Cross - 110++ lbs !! - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I am having a terrible experience with this establishment. The representative rescheduled me for the wrong class (Adult only) after I completed an online hybrid course for both Pediatric and Adult skill sessions. However both skill sessions were available in this particular class. I signed my name per requested before leaving the class so I could gain credit for staying for the pediatric portion. They sent me a certificate for Adult only. They are saying I signed my name under Adult only which is incorrect. The majority of the class was not even registered on the attendance sheet so we had to sign our name in. Not sure how they are even keeping track of who is or isn't in this class. I advise to look for other institutions if you are trying to get CPR certified. read more

I'm offended by the traveling Red Cross donation. I have skin discoloration on both arms and the person about to take my blood thought it was dirt. She didn't trust it was a skin discoloration and wouldn't take my blood. NEVER again will I waste my time donating blood to the Red Cross. read more

I am a long time blood donor and usually my donations are pretty average. The employees are hit or miss as far as experience level and attitude, but it was always for a good cause. The last time I donated was 2 weeks ago at a free library where it was all off-street parking. The blood drive was running late (not unusual) but they fell about 30-45 minutes behind. By the time my donation was finished, my meter had expired, and I got a parking ticket. I explained the situation and the employee herself didn't seem to care and said that they too needed to continuously feed their own meters as well. Called into the red cross corporation and they said they cannot help me. The Red cross only cares that you give blood, but do not care about their donors. No loyalty, no respect. I am saddened to say that this last donation will be my last. read more

Great people - easy scheduling on app - plenty of parking. 30 minutes to give blood. Highly recommend!

I work at Temple University and often give blood when there are blood drives on campus. Typically when I go to these blood drives the Red Cross staff are extremely rude, disinterested, and they complain the whole time. Usually it's like THEY'RE doing YOU a favor, when really they should express appreciation for the time you've taken from your day to make a DONATION. I've spoken with my colleagues about how the attitudes of the Red Cross staff are very off putting and almost make it so that I DON'T want to give blood. I know I am not the only one who feels this way. But alas, I always donate. Today was another such blood drive, but it was a completely different experience than what I usually endure. Eric Miller, an older white man with a slight studder, is officially nominated by me as "Best Red Cross Employee, Ever." This gentle man explained every single step as he was doing it (despite the fact that this wasn't my first rodeo). There weren't any other donors around when I was there, and rather than walk away and go sit on his phone or chat with colleagues, Eric stood by my table the whole time and chatted with me. We talked about a wide variety of things, and I honestly learned a lot about what the Red Cross does and why they do it. Anyway, your experience at this center or at a regional blood drive really depends on the person that's taking your blood. Eric is an exemplary employee and has redeemed my faith in the folks that the Red Cross hires. read more

I've been giving blood since17 years old so for 40 years. Unfortunately, I have tiny veins and most phlebotomist have trouble obtaining a donation from me. About 3/5 times they either can't get get due to my tiny veins and wind up "fishing" causing pain and still can't get or the blood clots during and it has to stop. Last time I gave blood, they checked my temperature by the forehead and still had to take temp by mouth? He stated he sanitize the thermometer but he did not sanitize in front of me and put right back in box without sanitizing after he took my temp. This really worries me. I WILL. NOT be back. read more

19 gallons of blood donated thus far, most of it at the main center. I always book an appointment and never wait. Especially since the pandemic, the place is like a ghost town, which is certainly indicative of the need for blood. I have learned that staying well hydrated helps me to get in and out, my record time is 29 minutes door to door. SO many people cannot give for legitimate reasons, I thank God for the health necessary to do so. Gregory John Maddox-maddoxgreg9@gmail read more

Toni was the most negative, hated her job bitch I ever met. I have been donating since 1976 I have a rare blood. She made it perfectly clear that she couldn't wait until this was over. I asked do you still take our blood because it's airborne and not blood bourne and her reply was I'M JUST HERE TO GET YOUR BLOOD . I wax like wow having a shitty day knowing I was her first donate. Just fyi read more

Use you for thier profit like cattle....they get free blood via donations they HOUND YOU for and when they can't make the appointment NO notice is given. Got a baby sitter and everything to go donate and have a dinner date. They called the NIGHT before to confirm!!!! Letter taped to door says all draws canceled at that location dated A WEEK PRIOR!! No notice, yet still calling me the night before!! read more

Like any red-blooded American woman, I donate blood so I can get free juice and cookies. This Red Cross location is awesome. The staff are friendly, and they always accept me for a walk-in appointment (although you can also call ahead). Clean and bright with music and tv and magazines. A nice place to do something that makes you feel good. read more

American Red Cross - All the carbs - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Have donated blood at this location multiple times. For people trying to do good and donate blood the staff is very rude and treats you like you're an inconvenience to them. The nurses are rough with IVs and very inconsiderate to the volunteers. I've never had a good experience at this location. read more

The staff requires training in working with and speaking with donors with kindness and patience. Today was the second time I've donated blood and the staff complained the whole time. Perhaps some sensitivity training would help. read more

I receive phone calls from the Red Cross frequently requesting I sign up to donate blood. Because of the hours I put in at work it's hard for me to donate. Occasionally they will have a drive in the building I work at, so i sign up. Yesterday was one of those days. What a **it show. They were turning people away who didn't have an appointment, the phlebotomists were rude & the wait was too long to stay. Get your sh** together Red Cross. Every blood drive is a clusterf**k. The process goes much smoother if you don't have an appointment, except at this location (Station Landing, Medford, MA) You're making money from the blood that is donated, have some pride in your work & courtesy for those that are taking the time to donate. read more

Donating at this location was a breeze. I made an appointment online to donate platelets with 3 of my coworkers. We got the 5:45 pm appointment and came right after work. The staff assisted us right away and got the ball rolling for our long donation process. I suggest doing the rapid pass whenever you ever donate blood because it just expedites the process. Donating platelets is an uncomfy and lengthy process, but the staff made us feel at ease. Shout out to Dawn and the other lovely ladies! They set us up with movies and got us situated. Throughout our 2 hour donation they were continuously checking up on us. They gave us a blanket when we got chilly and even put my earbuds back in my ears when they fell out, lol! In all, I will be back. Great mission, friendly staff, and easy to find! Not to mention there is convenient parking! read more

Not too sure if it is just because of the Covid-19 or if it is just organizational failure. I saw an ad on Tv today reminding me that Rc meeds blood during this time. I decided it was a worthy cause for leaving the house. I made an appointment online for the same Day 3:15 PM. 700 Spring Garden St Philadelphia I arrived on time and the front gate was locked. When this happened, I remembered the same experience a few years ago. I called the number on the bill board in front. Evidently the entrance is about .1 mile south of Spring garden on 7th. Maybe an address on Seventh St would be better to tell to the donors instead of the address of the locked front gate on Spring Garden. When I walked to the vehicle entrance (I had just driven past and parked near the advertised address) I entered passed security, and as I approached, I overheard the phlebotomist explaining that he was overbooked. They were turning people away. Why run the ads? Why schedule more appointments than can be handled. Why hive a misleading address? Why not have a sign on Spring Garden side saying where the real entrance is? There seem to be some real management issues. I wonder what the real mission is. Why treat donors this way? read more

Tried to give plasma here twice, no reminder emails/texts day of. First time I was rejected bc I was in the last day of antibiotics (which I didn't see in any of the prep info) and second time I was 20 minutes late bc I had to take care of a literal sick puppy. They said if I had been 15 minutes late they couldve made it work, but bc it was JUST THEN 20 minutes, they couldn't take me. Like, TRYING TO GIVE PLASMA DURING A BLOOD SHORTAGE and this was the reaction?! So frustrating and disappointing. Wish it wasn't so complicated to try and do something to help someone else. This Red Cross is clearly only for folks who've never made mistakes or been late or taken antibiotics. Don't go to this Red Cross if you can help it. read more

So, yesterday I signed up in Myrtle Beach SC to donate blood. They're advertising everywhere that this is a good way to help your community during the virus crisis. I do everything Im asked on-line. I have a confirmation on my phone and email. I show up to the location. They come out and say, sorry, you aren't on our paper list. I show them my email information and confirmation. They say sorry. REALLY!?!!? They have 8 workers inside, 6 beds, 1 other person waiting with me. They tell me I can go to another location to see if they can fit me in there. That's another 40 minutes away. What???? And I'm positive I'm not on their list. Aren't blood drives to give blood. Don't say sorry, fix it. DO BETTER RED CROSS read more

I came here for an evening blood donation appointment yesterday. I'm a universal donor blood type, O negative, and once they got wind of that they started calling me every 6 weeks like clockwork asking for another donation. I don't mind going a bit out of my way to help save some lives, and don't have a problem with needles really, so I was happy to oblige them by making an appointment at this location. What I did not realize is exactly how far of a walk this is from Market East train station. Next time I'll try to find a more convenient location. The staffing at this location is also not the most organized or friendly. When I arrived, there was no one to check people in so I stood around with some other folks for a few minutes until I just marched over to a lady in a lab coat and asked her what's up. She got me checked in, history taken, and on a bed pretty quickly. There was some waiting to get hooked up, but it was pretty painless and luckily for me I'm a bleeder and I fill the bag quickly, so I was done by 6:15 (5:45 appointment). Word to the wise if you intend to take a cab home (the area is a bit sketchy after dark and generally deserted): Olde City is not the company to call. Evidently they use City Taxi a lot there, and their drivers are more familiar with how to access the parking lot. I ended up waiting 25 minutes for a cab, but that's another review! Take 30 minutes out of your day and go save a life. You never know if you might need someone to do the same for you one day... read more

This place is kind of the worst. I love the idea of donating blood, but I think I'm going to stop. I was contacted because apparently someone with my blood type in Philadelphia needed a transfusion, and they need same day blood for this. After I arrive, they tell me it's actually so I can give blood for some clinical trial and my blood may or may not be used. Very sneaky and unethical. I decide to go ahead anyway. Three women argued over who had to insert the needle in my arm, the WHOLE TIME bitching and bitching about my tiny veins. Even besides this, they were generally rude, unprofessional, unempathetic, and distracted. They seemed very disinterested and impersonal. The flow alarm kept going off so the needle was moved around in my vein several times. After 15 minutes, they informed me I couldn't give the blood fast enough (a 15 minute time limit for this study?) and now my blood could not be used. Well, she said "um maybe for testing or something" but when pressed, she couldn't articulate further details. What a waste of time. Now I can't straighten my arm and have bruising. I was lied to, didn't get to help anyone who needed blood, and was treated like an annoyance the whole time I was there, due to my "tiny veins" Never again. Red Cross - your employees need some customer service/ patient care training. I was there to do you a favor. read more

Melissa A, you hit the nail, right on the head!! I think most people are afraid to say anything bad about the American Red Cross because they think they are doing a great thing (which they truly are) and so everything else can't really be that bad. Wait times, in-personable staff, rude management, extremely understaffed, places that are so hot donors are dropping like flies, I watched management lie about donors health just to make their numbers, you name it, I've seen it. The American Red Cross, unfortunately, has become none other, than a money making, greedy corporation. That blood donation that you gave you lunch break away for, plus, the red cross just banked about $1500 dollars for your double red donation. They continue to add more technology to the collection process and it takes up much more time than before. So instead of one worker being able to take care of 3-4 people, they can only take care of 1-2 people but the red cross refuses to accept this and forcefully makes them care for 3-4 donors at a time. This is all in all not safe for the donor or the person receiving the blood. And not fair to the worker who is exhausted mentally and physically at the shift. The American Red Cross also ELIMINATED all certified medical staff from the blood drives as well. The management previously, had to be registered nurses. They now are managers with experience from JCPenny, Deb Shop and Rita's Water Ice, which could be why they can't properly assess the reasons people are dropping like flies, or the proper amount of donors one person can handle. Well, hopefully it will work out in the future. I doubt it. However, there are other blood banks that have blood drives, unless the red cross forcefully drives them away. read more

I gave blood through a blood drive at work 2 years ago. It went fine. I got through it pretty promptly with very little waiting. Overall it was a decent experience that I'd be happy to repeat. My problem starts 2 months later when their telemarketers start calling. Every. Day. No matter how many times I say I'm not interested, want to donate through the work drive and can't get off the time it will take to schlep to their location via SEPTA, they won't stop calling me. I've had to screen my phone calls and just hang up on them at this point. I'm completely fed up with the Red Cross and the way they seem to be dead set on annoying me into donating. Giving blood is a fine thing to do, but just be prepared to be treated like you owe them money after you do. read more

Today, I was scheduled for a donation. Unfortunately when working in a hospital, schedules are sometimes altered. I was 15 minutes late for my scheduled appointment and was told I had to reschedule. This is the second time that this has happened in my donation history with the American Red Cross Blood Services. This is unacceptable when scheduling a blood drive in a healthcare facility. I'm tempted to give up donating but the saying in ball is 3 strikes and your out...in life I play the same game. I am very disappointed that this is an acceptable policy when people like myself are voluntarily making a donation. My time is valuable too and I busted my butt to get there. One more strike and I'm finished! read more

So, the interesting thing is that the Red Cross staffs the blood drive locations better than this location, their home base, by their own admission. I find this disappointing and discouraging to those of us trying to maximize donations, and who don't like chasing blood drives around the city and 'burbs. Anyways, back to my experience.. As soon as my time give blood rolls around again, I receive a call from the Red Cross from their blocked number (I REALLY wish they would change that), I reluctantly make my appointment for the Spring Garden location, and usuall I am disappointed at the way I am treated while I am there when the appointment time comes. I primarily give Double Reds on the apheresis machines.. its a lengthier process and setting up the machine takes time, but it is a double donation, it is desired by the Red Cross, and you have to donate less often. Despite having appointments, I have been left waiting for more than an hour before the consultation even starts. I have had to leave this location before without donating despite my appointment because they were too busy to make time for me. I've never had a bad experience here with the actual donating, though. If I actually get in and get hooked up, the process is always easy, painless, and as quick as possible. The employees are professional and they're well trained in the medical side of taking care of the donor and protecting the donation. In a surprise change of events, the last time I was in, I was able to give my donation more quickly than usual, my appointment was honored, and they seemed grateful to have a donor; that was a first for me in the two years I have been donating here. I hope this means that the "customer service" is on the up and up at this location as that would be a welcome change. Because of the recent experience, my review is for three stars instead of two. This location is clean, there is parking, and it is convenient to the city, but if you can go to a blood drive, I would suggest that over this location. If you're on the fence about donating at all, I agree with the other reviewer who said, "JUST DO IT!" read more

You know what they're doing. You know why they're doing it. The place is clean, the staff is friendly, free parking, wi-fi. You should go give blood. read more

Drove 1.3/4 hours to get there for blood draw at 6. When I got around the center all the lights were off no real light up signage to see after driving around for 10-15 mins found the place and still no signage where to go. Where I got in was greeted my a rude member telling me sorry you have to leave you are 8 mins late while there was many people still checking in and I completed all my paperwork before hand. I ask for the manager and RN Tracy Rivera came up Nd rudely said the same I asked where this was in writing as it seemed she just wanted to leave and was told it wasn't in writing but that what she was going to do and I had to leave!! I've never had such a rude experience trying to save lives! read more

I come here out of convenience because it is walking distance from my house. Now this review isn't about the organization, but about how the staff runs this branch. The few times I have been there, I left way later than I should have. I sat around waiting for someone to even talk to me. Once they figure out that I'm here to donate (surprise!), it takes awhile for the interview process/room to be set up. The interview process is fine, but the last time I went, I had someone that made me slightly uncomfortable because he was asking me some personal questions about my job and my ethnicity. I know these folks rotate, so you aren't really likely to come across the same group more than once. Once I get to the bed to donate, it's all smooth from there. However, getting to donate takes so long that I want to walk out sometimes. This is a good cause, but I shouldn't have to wait around for someone to "check me in" EVERY TIME I go there. It really makes donating a chore, even though it shouldn't be. This being said, I have had no problems at their satellite locations. Prompt service, interview, donating and refreshments. read more

The staff is very efficient and courteous. I donated regularly and this is by far the best run Red Cross I've been to thus far. read more

American Red Cross - Entrance is to the left of this sign. - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Just do it! The old Nike commercial is absolutely appropriate here. Its 2011 and its time to step up! Take an hour or 90 minutes out of your life and do something amazing. Stop by here at Spring Garden and give some blood. You won't regret it. That warm feeling of doing the right thing will last for weeks! read more

They told me I had been waiting too long for my donation and I would have to leave. I agree I had been waiting 40 minutes to check in with the nurse. So I left. Whisky tango foxtrot? No blood from me. What were the proving? Never again will I be treated this way. I put in a complaint with the red cross when it happened a month ago and have not heard from anyone to rectify this situation. I had to ask for time off work for this and not only was I made to wait they kicked me out when I had been waiting too long.. I have been giving regularly since 2003. Never again unless I hear something. read more

I never wrote a review, but I used to be a blood donor ambassador in 2015. I am on the higher functioning side of autism spectrum disorders and yes I was called a breath of fresh air in the beginning for when I signed up to help sign people in for donating blood. I was good at greeting people in. In the beginning I liked the social interaction due to the fact of making small talk and helping with handing out snacks, watching out for flu like symptoms. Watching for people who may pass out, could be hard for anyone with a disability to do, because you never know when the donor of blood is going to pass out and sometimes people with higher functioning disabilities intend to sometimes have a short attention span, while their long-term memory is excellent. That is how they learn. It just happens sudden, and the dangerous part of the job is knowing where the blood donations are going to take place. Like Philadelphia for an example, that's a rough neighborhood and you have to do this on your own independently where you have to constantly be on guard and watch out because people all over the city can take advantage of you. So instead of doing blood donations that are too far I did more local because I had my learners permit, and my folks didn't want me to go into the city. They wanted me to stick to the area where we reside. There really wasn't much blood donation ambassador jobs around Bucks County at the time I was volunteering and receiving my drivers license, and the staff wasn't real great with communication, no offense but I can relate to this. Even I someone who is very talkative, and knowledgable knows what it's like to have communication challenges. If I were the next blood donor ambassador I would quit your job if you are autistic, I don't recommend volunteering for the American Red Cross, the people aren't tolerant or understanding of disabilities because not everyone with a disability has the ability to speak well for themselves when it comes to donating blood questions. People on the autism spectrum disorders would have a hard time answering the questions, depending on how well they do. I would say if higher functioning they could possibly do fine on their own, if they are severe it maybe helpful having someone help them answer the questions, especially if they are non-verbal. Because severe autism don't know what they are saying yes and no to and this could be dangerous. What if they say yes to a question and the nurse gives the medicine they shouldn't be given them when they are experiencing flue like symptoms, this could hurt them. I know the American Red Cross says they care about others and giving back to the community, but if they do show some more decency and understanding towards disabilities. It's why I quit. I would like to add I remember something from the "Good Doctor" my favorite episode with the athlete. I know people with non-verbal disabilities shouldn't be allowed to donate if they can't answer questions for themselves, but to me in my opinion, "Don't allow others tell you what you can and cannot do." read more

Employees were very unwelcoming and rude. I saw multiple people walk out frustrated due to their attitude in the Montclair NJ donation site at Central Presbyterian church. When I come in to donate blood, I would expect a much better customer service experience. Will be looking else where to donate blood. read more

My husband and I made appointment ahead of time, confirmed and came to the site. We were the only people in the room, but we were told that appointment was cancelled "because see, we have enough blood". Wasted an hour on a Saturday. Had we knew, we'd rather spend it with the kids. We tried the second time today. First, they asked us to TAKE OFF THE MASK to take an oral temperature. A MINUTE later, they told us to see a lady by the table. The first thing she did was she asked to TAKE OFF THE MASK to take the oral temp again! Seriously, we should have left at that point. She then measured the pulse, no BP, nothing else. Then I said all history's in my file, I have been a donor for years and donated a few months ago. Neverminded, she asked me about my "pregnancies and abortions" (I'm almost 60 y.o) She then measured my hemoglobin twice and according to the super-test, in 15 seconds it instantly dropped by 2 gram/dl. Must've made a Guinness record. We left. What else can I say. read more

I have been donating blood from long time this was the second time I have had the issue with the person taking my blood out. May be she was not trained properly or what I am not sure but she didn't know why she was doing. I would rather go somewhere else to donate my blood than going to Red Cross any more. I have had swollen hands since yesterday. This is not right!!!! read more

My donation appointments have been very hit or miss. Today the phlebotomist did not anchor my vein and it rolled. She never was able to get adequate blood flow, even after having someone help her and applying a second tourniquet. After 20 minutes she informed me my donation failed because they didn't get enough blood and it was starting to clot. Perhaps I should have asked someone else to try my other arm. I have never had issues with anyone hitting my veins. They took too much blood for me to be able to try again. Now I have to wait the entire waiting period but I will not make another appointment through the Red Cross. read more