I was told by my doctor that I needed to donate blood due to the high levels of iron in my blood…read more This was my first time donating blood and it was a very pleasant experience. The staff was amazing and I never realized how easy and painless donating blood is. Since it was my first time donating blood, the staff was very attentive and helpful. Looking forward to my next visit in December.

The 9 11 in tulare is a mess . Lot of people walking out so disappointing and disorganized. Pre…read morescreening didn't know there heads from whole . 4 pre screenings . Wow yeah it ain't broke. Don't fix it...

Friendly staff, they explain everything in detail and walk you through the whole process so your…read morenot blindsided by anything. Quick answers to all my questions when I asked. Also John was amazing very professional and reassuring.

Most of the staff are really friendly, but this is the second time I received a bruise like this…read more The first time I couldn't go back and donate for a month waiting for it to heal and then when I was able to go back they were unable to do the blood return and I now how this and it's been a week since the draw and I can't go back now for another 2 months. Then after the draw I was told I don't know exactly how long you can wait here but I can give you another Gatorade, Don't think I will be returning.

I wish I could rate the staff and the organization separately. In my humble opinion the staff here…read moretruly do the best they can and make the donation process a great experience. I am guessing that the staff turnover rate is high, I make this guess by the 2 hour wait time just to check in and unfortunately I view this as a result of poor management and organizational policies and procedures. I will continue to donate due to the wonderful and professional staff here at BioMat Fresno. Manny P

I observed staff of the highest professional order and care working at this site that are…read morededicated, caring, and professional. I observed staff that could have cared less. I also observed a VERY high turnover rate of the phlebotomists with new trainees virtually every donor visit I did. More disturbingly I observed staff that handled used sharps (needles) and blood contamination items (gloves) incorrectly, disposed of bio hazard materials in regular trash receptacles, and screening staff that used completely subjective criteria to turn away donors with no explanation other than "try again later" I felt more like I was a stray animal at a shelter being selected than a donor willing to spend up to two hours of my life in a chair in order to help others. One week they had a HVAC failure and the donor area was easily 85F or higher during the height of summer in the central valley. That is a health issue for everyone in the center, not just the donors. It took weeks to fully resolve. I will NEVER go to this donor center again.

Your welcome to the patients. I love donating at this location if I would have known that this…read morelocation was great with serving. I love donating plasma so I can save the lives of the people who need the medicine to survive and see life like everyone else. Your welcome from the apache mountain tribe.

Horrible experience here. I've been here two other times this is my third. I got forgotten about…read moremultiple times as did other people. My appointment was at 9:45 and after being told finally to go to the blue section Have my plasma done they then tell me certain things aren't released and they have to sit there and wait longer then they tell me they missed another part of the physical. I mean what a joke at this point it was over four hours Since I had eaten, and they couldn't even give me a straight answer as to whether or not it was safe for me to continue with the process. I told them they were extremely unprofessional which it was, however, the person who I told it was unprofessional, was being the most professional out of all of them so I do apologize, and I hope she knows I meant the whole experience. People get anxiety waiting for this stuff and it sent mine over the edge

I donated blood today aboard the Blood Center's Mobile Unit, parked by GB3 at Palm and Nees,…read moreFresno. I had scheduled an appointment for 1pm. As soon as I approached the bus, the side door opened and the staff welcomed me in. The process begins with ID check and getting you in the system. That takes place in a small area, separate from the main section to ensure patient privacy. For Step 2, you sit in a booth in the main area. Another nurse checks vital signs and she will perform a finger poke to check your hemoglobin, which is your iron level in your blood. If it is too low you cannot donate blood. Next you fill in a health questionnaire. Don't stress as it is not a complete health history! The questions were to check whether you had been in any situations where you were exposed to hepatitis or HIV, and other infections in the past 3 months. The answers were simple YES/NO answers and completed on a tablet. Now you get to recline on one of their extremely comfortable exam beds. The patient before me told the nurse he had taken a nap during his donation! My nurse, Andrea, pumped up my arm with the blood pressure cuff and had me squeeze a ball to make the veins pop out. Then she relaxed the cuff and proceeded to swab my arm clean. Next thing I felt a slight prick on the anterior surface of the elbow and voila! the butterfly needle was already in place and the blood was draining down the tubing into the collection bag. She checked if I was doing alright, instructed me to relax, and requested that I sporadically clench and unclench my fist during the donation. This prevents your blood draining into the hand instead of the collection tubing. Within 30minutes I was all done! Andrea offered me snacks and bottled water, telling me there was no rush to stand up. Thank you to the 3 great nurses who took care of me today 11/11/22. I look forward to donating again in January as you suggested.

The blood center does such great work in the community that 5 stars is a must, but the 5 stars at…read morethis location is well earned. The place is beautiful, the staff are great, amd the services are perfect. I have donated blood for years at all kinds of location and this is the best one by far. I enjoy my entire donation process from the time I walk in until I leave. So keep up the good work

"A bottle of blood saved my life. Was it yours?" -Anonymous…read more Welcoming staff who truly listen and answer questions. Thankful for my recent visit. Looking forward to returning after 56 days.

So easy to do. My blood fills that bag like at twice the rate of normal (thanks GB3) so the only…read morething that could be more easy would be a drive thru option! Like working out or eating right, I donate knowing that it saves lives, but also for the fact that it depletes iron in my blood. Men don't lose iron like women do and that build up isn't good for cardio health. As such, I consider it another important CHOICE in helping to determine my health TOMORROW and into next seasons of life. A responsible, knowledge based part of my increasingly responsible and disciplined lifestyle! Thank you Lord for all that you have provided, unto and even the very blood which flows through my body! Unto YOU and YOUR GLORY may it save, extend and help those who may need it most. Not surprisingly, that may even be a friend or family member! Just imagine IF the blood you donated today actually saved your parent, a child, your husband or wife tomorrow??? Just imagine! Please consider donating today! -G Why would I not want the following working for me? Physical health benefits Free health checkup: Before each donation, you receive a mini-physical examination. A staff member will check your vital signs, including your temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, and iron/hemoglobin levels. This can help detect potential health issues like high blood pressure or anemia. After donation, your blood is also tested for infectious diseases such as HIV and hepatitis. Heart and vascular health: Donating blood on a regular basis is associated with improved cardiovascular health. By reducing the overall volume and viscosity (or thickness) of your blood, it can flow more easily through your arteries. Some studies have linked this to a lower risk of heart attacks, strokes, and arterial blockages. Balanced iron levels: Blood donation helps reduce excess iron stores in the body. For men and postmenopausal women, high iron levels can contribute to oxidative damage, increasing the risk of heart disease and certain cancers. Regular donation helps maintain healthy iron levels, especially for people with the genetic condition hemochromatosis, which causes an iron overload. Calorie burn: While not a weight-loss method, your body burns approximately 650 calories to replenish the pint of blood you donate. This is a temporary effect, but it is an added benefit for frequent donors. Potential cancer risk reduction: Some studies suggest that the reduction of iron levels from regular blood donation may lower the risk of certain cancers, including liver, lung, colon, and throat cancers. The reduction in iron may decrease the oxidative stress that can damage cells. Stimulated blood cell production: Donating blood prompts your bone marrow to produce new red blood cells to replace those that were removed. This process helps keep your circulatory system healthy and functional. Mental and emotional health benefits Improved emotional well-being: The act of giving blood is a selfless act that can create a sense of purpose, boost your mood, and increase self-esteem. Altruism and volunteering are also linked to lower stress levels and a reduced risk of depression. Connection to community: Participating in blood drives and being part of a donor community can foster a sense of belonging and social connection. Some programs even notify donors when their blood is used by a patient, creating a rewarding link to the recipients.

Most don't realize the importance of a volunteer blood supply and don't think about it until it's…read moreneeded. The staff here is top notch and very helpful. The facility is always spotless. Lots of yummy snacks for when you finish your donation. The location is convenient and doesn't take long with most donations taking less than 1/2 an hour. Save a life!!

Giving blood is something I've tried to make a priority within the last few years. This location is…read moregreat for me and they are usually really quick at processing those who come in. I never make an appointment due to my schedule but they never is an issue. If you have never given blood or even if you have you present your license and confirm your contact information before heading off to an intake room. They usually have a freebie that they offer along with some coupons to local establishments. You can check their socials if you are interesting in knowing before going. The whole process from start to finish can be as short as 30 minutes on a good day. They have a wonderful snack selection where you can hang out after you donate and usually friendly volunteers who are restocking the food and checking on you. A wonderful experience with a reminder date that you can next give blood.

They are always providing CPR classes, and have really made an effort to bring so many volunteers…read moreto assist all in need. Goof job!!!

A group of us was going for state testing, they called 2 days before testing to inform us we will…read morebe doing it a day sooner and for busy moms who need babysitters it was really inconvenient not only that because we are a good drive away we had to loose out on 160 for the nonrefundable nonreschedulable room which is not ok. 2 days to figure it out or move to later date and sorry about your money is what they had to say. Something "unforseen" happened so be careful booking if you live a distance.. it sucks to loose money over no fault of your own especially during these times, it could have went on my kids instead of down the drain thank u red cross.