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

My husband donated blood and passed out afterwards--TWICE! In the fall, he cut his face and bruised…read morehis ribs pretty badly. Instead of having him call me to come pick him up, they got him walking and sent him out to his truck to drive home. Very risky. This place is more worried about image and not wanting to have a problem than they are about people. STAY CLEAR!

Very friendly, the people there made the process of donating blood very relaxing and as stress free…read moreas possible.

I donated blood today and noticed that Lynn K., a phlebotomist, was touching her hair and face…read moreduring a blood draw. I attempted to voice my concern for a potential infection issue, but Lynn said her gloves were not sterile and were meant to protect her and not the donor. The onsite supervisor witnessed the issue and when I asked about a way to lodge a formal complaint I was told the problem had happened before and would be addressed internally. I will not return.

If I could give a 0 I would. Waited outside for 30 minute, since before training started (before 9)…read morewas not opened or given idea of what doors to go through as well as no note being posted for which door to use. About 10 others were waiting for the door to open in front. Door ended up being one in the back that had "Notice:Not an entrance". After 15 minutes we walked around and looked through every window. Only 3 people were inside 2 being instructors. Knocked and instructor pointed at his clock on his wrist. Horrible place and no communication whatsoever. don't recommend at all. Not worth it if youre driving from a different town.

Terrible since they changed ownership. Loved donating to Delta Blood Bank. The workers treat doners…read morelike a burden and make it difficult to schedule. The corporate ownership is terrible from CEO down.

We have been donating here regularly over the past 10 years. Very professional, clean and…read morefriendly. We will continue to drive 35 miles to this location. Thank you team!

My husband I gave platelets several times, a few years ago. We are an older couple and after about…read more5 times, we felt like we couldn't do it anymore. The next time the Red Cross called, I explained, nicely, that we would only do whole blood donations and to please stop calling. They called again. Again, I explained and asked them to stop calling. Today I just received somewhere around the 20th call. I have tried everything to get them to stop!!!!!!

"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.