A bloody good 1-hour experience! I've been donating blood since high school but always at blood…read moredrives where I sometimes feel rushed and never at a blood center. After answering some intake questions on a computer, I waited for about 5 minutes, then was seen by staff who checked my blood pressure and iron levels with a quick finger prick. I was then led to a reclining chair with a TV. Since a window was casting major glare, I couldn't really watch it. While you can donate platelets, plasma, and red blood cells here, they take around 2 hours each. Donating whole blood just takes 1 hour start to finish and my actual donation time was under 8 minutes for a pint. Afterwards, I had some crackers and apple juice they provided. Super friendly staff always made me feel safe and comfortable. A staff member actually gave me a whole bag of Oreos to take home for my kids. I'd definitely choose this place again. TIPS: **You can schedule an appointment online at http://www.nybloodcenter.org **Unisex bathroom **Plenty of parking in their shared lot in the back. You can enter through the back (main entrance). **Right next to Dancers Pointe and across the street from Allstate.

The person who registered me and took my blood pressure etc was nice and courteous. I wish I could…read moresay the same about the rest of the staff. They seemed very put out and miserable like they didn't want to be there at all. Inattentive and non-communicative. They acted like they were annoyed that I was there. I feel like it stems from the manager of the site who always seems cranky. I'm a regular donor and I don't want to dissuade anyone from donating, but if you can, go to Vitalant. They are much friendlier and welcoming. I will continue to donate regularly but never again at the Scotch Plains site. Awful place.