Came here to donate platelets!! It was my second visit. The first was very smooth and the second took a bit longer.. I was there for 143 minutes although they were wonderfully attentive and they told me I could be unhooked from the machine at any time... (I was just stubborn). I appreciated how kind everyone was again and when I wasn't feeling wonderfully, they brought my snacks right to my seat. So anyway thank you and I will be back soon! read more

At my first blood donation with American Red Cross I was pleasantly surprised to see how professional the whole experience was, and how comfortable they made me feel. What caught my eye was how they checked, re-checked, and then re-checked again everything they were doing. As a retired aircraft mechanic I certainly can appreciate that. They also have a wonderful app that makes the check in process quick, and easy at the donation centers. It also gives you a ton of information,and is a quick resource for rescheduling, or making an appointment. I was so impressed with the American Red Cross that I now donate blood regularly,have completed my training, and became a American Red Cross volunteer. read more

See all

I know, I know, the American Red Cross should unquestionably be a 5 Star and I agree. My only complaint, well two: First, their campaign for donors can hit you via every social media. Phone, Web, Email, Messaging to name a few. Yes, again all for an undeniable need and humanitarian causes. But please, let me decide when. Secondly, pre-donation vetting process is such a drag. Yup, "why" undeniably necessary. However, recently I learned you can schedule an advance appointment and the night before (within 24 hours prior to the appointment), you can answer ALL of the vetting questions ahead from the comforts of home! Mama Bear & I made our appearance the next morning, signed in, ran a shortened medical check with a very short wait. The very pale people with long teeth (oh...justing kidding) painlessly drew the good red stuff, and we were on our way to the water, juices, and snacks. To add to our renewed liking of the process, a volunteer offered us two of her homemade Strawberry Scones with a smile. read more

American Red Cross - Nice legs? - CPR Classes Near Me - Farmington, Connecticut

I come here to donate platelets/ apheresis. The staff is so friendly and accommodating. Since you're there for a spell, each donation station has a dedicated tv with unlimited Netflix viewing options to keep you occupied. The snacks and drinks available are also tasty and I like that the cups for water are now paper instead of plastic. My only complaint/surprise is this is the only location in the entire state for apheresis. I feel like they would get so many more donations if there were more locations available. read more

I hadn't donated in several months. I usually have a good experience with the staff. This time the needle wasn't put in correctly in my right arm and she said the vein blew out so I had abruise. She then tried my left arm and found a vein that she felt for and with the blood pressure cuff very tight she inserted the needle. The cuff was so tight I couldn't feel my fingers. I didn't get to continue as she said there was a clot in the tube. Not a good experience. read more

Background: I first gave blood ten days after my 18th birthday. That's about 58 years ago. I also was a donor for the plasmapheresis program for some time. I was making an attempt to "pay back" the packed red blood cells administered to my late wife before she died. Between the time of the round trip and the slow process, I had to give it up. Some health concerns interrupted a long streak of donations, but I'm back in business again. On Tuesday, September 27th, I had a 2:45 donation appointment at the Litchfield Community Center. Because I had other obligations that day, I rearranged my schedule (thus requiring others to rearrange theirs to accommodate my need) so I would be available. My next appointment for that day was for 4:30, at a nearby address. I figured an hour and three-quarters would be a sufficient "window." When I arrived at 2:40, there were a number of people waiting, either for the initial screening or the actual donation. I noticed that and mentioned to the volunteer that I was in a time squeeze. She assured me that we'd have time. Almost half an hour later, I was called to the screening station. I mentioned my schedule again. The nurse told me that would not be a problem. I noticed an empty table, and two of the phlebotomists chatting nearby. I responded to the list of questions, got a finger stick and blood pressure check. The table was still vacant. One of the people I had seen was eating on the other side of the room. The other began to wipe down the table. "Are you sure you can get me out of here by 4:20?" I received something of an annoyed nod yes. I was promoted to one of the chairs waiting for a table. By this time, I'd completed the crossword puzzle I'd brought in. It was clear by their pace and their body language, none of the staff had any sense of urgency about completing their tasks. I was motioned to the table a couple of minutes before 4:00 PM (75 minutes after my appointment time). I was positioned on the table. The nurse brought the "kit" and laid it on the foot of the bed. Another patient's alarm rang, and she went over to unhook her and get her over to the refreshment area. At this point, I called my 4:30 appointment and warned I might be a little late. The nurse came back at 4:10. I looked at her and then the clock. I got off the table and headed out the door. This was hardly the first time this has happened to me at this location. My last two donations before this were at the Bantam firehouse and the Torrington Lutheran Church. Both times, I was in and out in less than an hour, including the suggested time with juice and crackers. When I left, I talked to the woman who had initially greeted me, saying I would assume appointments would have priority over "walk-ins." She said everyone had had appointment times. There were no walk-ins. Apparently, they weren't fully staffed, and, according to the volunteer at the desk, that wasn't the first time. Somewhere someone fouled up, and has done so more frequently than any regular schedule would accommodate. Surely, this is a management problem, and a fairly basic one - estimate your personnel needs and be certain they will be fulfilled. Have "back-ups" available in case unavoidable problems come up. There was one justifiable time when walk-ins overwhelmed my appointment that I fully understand. I'd had a 3:30 scheduled appointment on Tuesday, September 11th, 2001. When I talked to the administrator of the Community Center the next day, she said she understood my frustration and said she'd brought it to your attention before. How many messages do you need in order to rectify the problem? It took me half an hour to find a website affiliated with Red Cross that posted an address of any kind. Surely, that in itself is a serious failing. read more

I have been giving blood through one blood for the past 15 years in Florida. A total of somewhere near 10 gallons. Moved from Florida to Connecticut where I still had the interest in giving blood. Went to the Red Cross today and they refused to take my blood because I'm on a blood thinner. According to the Red Cross you have to be off blood thinners for seven days before they'll take blood from you. No one Who takes Coumadin goes without Coumadin for seven days. Which is the Red Cross requirement. So not only can I never give blood again, but the Red Cross is missing out on a lot of donations because of this policy. Bad, unnecessary policy. read more

Very good staff to get your blood drawn I love coming here to go to apherisis especially they treat you very nicely. Food and drink are provided there and depending on the donation it can be more food or less. The place though is dated and needs a little improvement in it's 70s/80s decor and also they need to move the wall of distinction to a more honorable place than next to the bathrooms. Donors that frequent should be respected more than that since we help them by donating. read more

American Red Cross - The front desk where there is usually a very nice guard or front desk person. - CPR Classes Near Me - Farmington, Connecticut

See all

I signed up for a cpr/first aid class in September for October. The address that was given dumped me on to the UCONN campus and asked 4 different people where this place was. 2 didn't what I was talking about. 1 person gave me directions to a different part of campus and the other said I shouldn't even be on campus. So I left not even making it to the class and not even knowing where it was. They should really look into their address if it's giving me UConn. read more

Terrible cpr classes . The whole class left without knowing barely anything about cpr or how to save a life , if you get Ronald as an instructor , start walking the opposite way . Terrible teacher . The class is a joke . Do not come here unless u just want a cpr cert really quick . read more

I donated blood for the very first time this past December, I recognize I am late to the game. My experience was fine although lengthy. Since then I receive calls all the time to donate even though I have asked not to be called. Yet again this morning I was called by John. I told him to stop calling as I will donate when life calms down a little - his words "well you have only donated once in the past". These words are enough to make me not want to donate ever again in the future. I will donate because I recognize the good it does but I am very turned off to the organization itself. It is pure harassment in my opinion. read more