Very educational CPR class. Instructor makes sure you are comfortable with all the information so…read moreyou can succeed.

From the owner: At Madden Emergency Training, our commitment to providing the highest quality CPR training is…read moreunwavering. We believe that everyone should have access to life-saving skills and knowledge, and we are dedicated to making that a reality.

I have been coming to the Yanceyville blood donation center for more than 10 years. It is very…read moreconveniently located within 1 mile of my bestie's house, who also happens to be my long-standing blood donation buddy. The staff has always treated us with kindness and professionalism. They take great care of their donors through every step of the process, even if you're deferred for one reason or the other. Special shout-outs to Elizabeth and Star, who took care of us during our most recent donation. The check-in process is very easy, especially if you made an appointment in advance. You can schedule easily through the Blood Donor app. However, they will gladly take walk-ins as well. You can make check-in even shorter by completing your RapidPass ahead of time, which typically hits your inbox first thing the morning of your expected blood donation. You must complete this on the day of your appointment. After check-in, a staff member completes a private health history and mini-physical to determine whether you are eligible to donate blood. Your temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and hemoglobin levels must all be within range to proceed with donating. If any of your values are initially out of range, you will be given a second chance to retest with a different staff member. For example, my pulse was above 100 when I was initially screened during my most recent donation. After sitting quietly for several minutes, a different staff member checked my pulse again, and it fell below 100, so I was eligible to donate! Pro Tip: If you have low hemoglobin (the minimum for women is 12.5 gm/dL), which I have been deferred for in the past, try taking a daily multivitamin at least a week before you're planning to donate. Drinking orange juice with this supplement can also increase absorption. A hand warmer around your thumb is another hack to help elevate levels. You should also drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your appointment, so you're well hydrated. Once you pass the screening, it's time to kick back for the easy part! If you're donating whole blood, the process takes about 8-10 minutes once the needle is inserted. They have TVs in the donation room, so the time passes quickly, especially if you're trying to race your friends to see who can donate the fastest. After donating, you are strongly encouraged to enjoy a snack and a drink while resting in the canteen area. Their snack game is usually pretty strong, with lots of sweet and savory options. I enjoyed some Welch's fruit snacks, Cheez-Its, and water while waiting for our other friends to finish donating. They typically advise waiting about 10 minutes before leaving the premises. After donating, it's very important to drink extra fluids and avoid alcohol consumption for the next 24 hours. My favorite part is that you cannot do any heavy lifting or vigorous exercise for the rest of the day. I highly encourage donating blood with a friend, so that you can increase your good deeds even further! Each donation could help save at least one life, and I can't think of a better reason to give. With the current critical need for blood, the American Red Cross is providing the additional incentive of free A1C testing and $15 e-gift card to a merchant of your choice in the month of August 2026.

There is a world blood shortage crisis right now so I have tried to be more diligent about…read moreregularly donating at The American Red Cross. It's an easy way to give back and help those in need. As a O+ blood type, I can help so many + people. My friend group likes to come together to donate when our schedules align and then go out for lunch together to celebrate. The process hasn't changed much from what I put below except how they test your iron/hemoglobin. Good news they don't prick your finger anymore, now they use this machine that wraps around your thumb. No pain at all. It takes longer and the reading is a bit inconsistent. Pro tip- heat your hands up before coming in as that helps you get a higher reading (need a 12.5 to donate as a woman). If you score too low first time they will allow you to try the other hand. The staff is all great and makes the process as painless and quick as possible. The snack game here has gotten even better as have the incentives from vendors as the need is so great. Gonna get a $20 Amazon gift card for my successful donation today!

Amy was very knowledgeable and personable. She made sure to cover topics/scenarios that relate to…read moredaily life. I will recommend this company to others. It was easy to register and affordable.

Awesome class and great instructor. I got my AHA card the same day.read more