This American Red Cross is located along W. Brambleton Ave. This is the regional services center,…read morenot the donation center, which is right next to this building. You can also get here using The Tide (light rail). The closest station is the western terminus at the EVMC / Fort Norfolk station. I did drive here, but at least I have GPS in my car.
I normally don't travel into Norfolk very often. However, an event by the American Red Cross brought me here on March 27, 2019. The reason for this visit was for a Donor Appreciation Event, as I donate platelets regularly throughout the year at the Virginia Beach location. After arriving at the location, parking was plentiful. There is a door that you have to get "buzzed" in, but there was a staff member at the door so there were no issues getting in. As I was getting to the registration table, Scott found me and was looking to get my info, as he is one of the staff that I have worked with many times at the Virginia Beach Donation Center. After talking for a bit and looking around a bit, I went into the main conference type room they had in there.
This room is where the main event would occur. There was a table at the back where we could pick up a box lunch provided by Baker's Crust. I went with the chicken sandwich for my lunch there that day, which was very good. After eating and everyone was mostly done eating, the main event began. Many of the regional American Red Cross staff were on hand, and talked about the importance of blood, platelet, and plasma donations. There was also a recognition for those of us that donate platelets, specifically those that had 18 or more platelet donations for the year. I was one of them as I had 20 platelet donations in 2018, and well on my way to matching that for this year as well. There is a plaque for it as well that is now put up in the Virginia Beach location.
After that, it was time for some stories by donors. Some of the donors were actually receivers themselves at one point for blood, platelets or plasma products. These stories were very moving and makes one want to continue to donate. It ended with the regional staff asking for monetary donations, etc., but said they were required to say that.
Overall, it was a great experience and event. The staff have always been great and attentive. I also found out that there is a bit of cost for platelets, blood, etc. by the hospitals, but the costs are only to cover the testing of the product, storage, etc. If you have never donated blood, plasma, or platelets, I definitely recommend looking to do so. You could be saving many lives in the process.