My first blood donation in more than 35 years was a pleasant, friendly, efficient and professional…read moreexperience. I had surpassed 4 gallons of blood, platelets, white cell and plasma donated before the FDA arbitrarily banned me from donations for life in 1985 because of my sexual orientation. For 38 years donor deferral was based on arbitrary science-denying gender and orientation-based risk assumptions. Very pleased to say We Are Blood operates under new FDA guidance that has been in place since 2023 and relies on assessing individual risk factors rather than making any assumptions about gender orientation or sexual partners. - All potential donors see non-gendered risk assessment/deferral questions when they come to donate. - All potential donors, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, will be asked the same questions and be assessed for blood donation eligibility based on individual risk factors. - The FDA's previous blood donation eligibility criteria based on sexual orientation, which restricted sexually active gay and bisexual men from giving blood, has been eliminated. Initial screening and qualification questionnaire completed, the intake process was quick, careful, caring, and friendly. The donation lounge itself is brightly decorated and open with comfortable chairs and friendly staff. Throughout, great care was taken to verify donor identity and to match to coded donated unit tracking. The whole process took about 40 minutes, including about 20 minutes for the actual donation. I enjoyed some orange juice and a snack afterward and a chat with some volunteers before heading out on my day . Plenty of adjacent free and ADA accessible parking right at the front door. Highly recommended and if you haven't donated in a while because of what were arbitrary restrictions, check back! Things have changed and blood donations are always needed particularly in the summer months.

This is the North Lamar location---Yelp did not offer that option--…read more I decided to donate blood today and had the worst experience ever. If you have not given blood in a while there is a mountain of paperwork that has to be filled out for the safety and security of the org and patients receiving that blood. Plan in spending at least 30-45 minutes. When I finally got to see my intake specialist, things became very dicey. At first things were going well, but then there was a question around a trip I had taken this summer to Mexico. I did not know the exact dates and when I went to SWT airlines site it was less than helpful. There was some frustration on part in that regard, and the fact that reception in the building is very spotty. I eventually go the date and provided it to the intake person. She then indicated that she needed to take my blood from my finger, and I asked that she take it from the side of my finger rather than the tip. She seemed irritated at my request and snorted. Eventually though, she took my blood and took a iron measurement. I asked what she was testing and she was hesitant to tell me. I asked why, she snorted again and then told me it was for Iron. I then asked if my test was normal. She gave me a # and failed to provide an explanation until after insisted she tell me(I was worried at this point, and she was stressing me). At that point she left the room and returned with a supervisor who informed me that her employee felt that I was being to aggressive and she was there to oversee the rest of the intake. I was happy with that and agreed, as i had done nothing wrong. I explained that I had nothing immoral, unethical, illegal, or out of line. I explained that I was simply asking for test results and that Jana (employee) seemed less than helpful proving the results. The supervisor then suggested we move past it and get the intake done. I agreed, and we did complete the intake. I was then taken to another area and prepared to give blood. At that point, a manager(Kristen Sluder) came to see me as they were prepping me. She indicated that she had heard that I had some concerns. I explained that I felt uncomfortable w. the way that I had been treated and that perhaps the intake specialist seek training or have a supervisor around when she performs her job to keep this from happening again. Kristen explained that she saw both sides and gave me an indication that she did not agree and blindly supported the intake employee regardless of what she did. I explained that I am a Disabled Vet and carry my behavior to the same standard as a Veteran should and would. I also asked if she wanted people to want to give blood, and she acted as if she really did not care. I explained that I would never come back to this location due to the way I have been treated and she simply smiled. Folks--- Does We are blood not want people to donate and help others? Based on my experience it certainly did not feel that way. This makes me sad, as I have used this facility before and had such wonderful experiences. The question here is: How many people have to suffer through an experience like this before We are blood wakes up and realizes they re running people off. I do have to compliment the supervisor, the nursing staff, and the nurse in training who did my whole blood donation. They were nice, pleasant, and made me feel at ease. I know is a lot, but I hope it helps other people.

Today, I took my mother to donate blood. She speaks Arabic and only has very basic English skills…read more I tried to help translate for her, but I was told that she had to answer all the questions herself or she would not be allowed to donate. I asked if they had a translator available, even over the phone, and they said no. I then asked if we could use Google Translate to help communicate, and again I was told no. So does that mean my mother must speak English in order to donate blood? It was very disappointing to see someone willing to help others by donating blood turned away because of a language barrier. I hope this policy can be improved so non-English speakers have a fair opportunity to donate as well.

Dealing with the general public isn't easy. They do a great job getting you in and out…read more I have been donating a long time and have scar tissue built up on my veins. They are still able to get the needle in no problem. They almost always have a free gift for donations. This month was a free shirt last month was a free Torchy's Taco. The facility is clean and everyone is friendly. Good place to help others..

Looks like I'm the first to review! I signed up with Beacon Biologics for white blood cell…read moredonation, to help with cancer research. When I got there, I was taken back immediately. Me, the woman in charge, & her coworker were the only ones in the building. Verrrry quiet & all attention was directed to me. Paperwork took most of the time and it was explained very thoroughly before signing. Seeing as this was just my initial appointment, they only did a blood collection of 6-7 vials to test for diseases before I am permitted to donate white blood cells once cleared. The blood collection was taken in a very cushy chair where you're almost laying down. Afterwards, they gave me water and a snack and made sure I was ok. In the end, I was given $25 for the initial appointment. When you do an actual white blood cell donation (which I was told can take up to 3-4 hours!) the payout is a lot more. They also told me they have things like iPads with Netflix, magazines, etc to help keep you occupied during that time. They also gave me a free shirt! They told me that they had been up and running for 2 years but just started accepting clients within the last year. Anywho, the employee whom worked with me was super down to earth and great to talk to & answered all my questions. I'm currently waiting to hear back regarding white blood cell studies now so that I can start donating :) seems like a wonderful facility doing great work!

From the owner: Beacon Biologics partners with people like you to enable research that saves lives. Your white cell…read moredonation makes groundbreaking research and discovery of new treatments possible around the world. You have the chance to give hope to patients waiting for a cure by donating white cells for research. Today, it's your chance to be the Beacon.

The care is decent. Scheduling isn't an issue. They never answer the damn phone. Also I'll make the…read moredrive for only for them to tell me they are doing testing. Also some folk don't know how to wrap , so I'll bleed out on my clothes. Only so many times can I use hydrogen peroxide. Smh....

stil new to the center and I had already checked in when I remembered that I forgot to take my…read morephone off my bike when I arrived. I stepped out for what must have been 10 seconds to fetch it. I was then suddenly informed that I wouldn't be able to donate, simply for that reason. I cycle 20min to this venue to donate and no exception I got turned away for something that stupid. I'll register somewhere else and make sure to tell everyone I meet about this experience

I never thought I could donate plasma because of my deep veins, but Grifols made it so easy! It's…read morequick, and knowing that my donation could help someone in need makes it feel so worthwhile. If you're thinking about it, definitely give it a shot! it's way easier than I expected and makes a real difference!

Clean & you're able to login and make appointments on time there are about four good phlebotomist,…read morethere that are carrying the team. The rest of them stand around gossiping or only seems like they wanna do the regulars and not different patients so I think they can definitely do better with their care quality of the patients that come in there since we're providing them a job

Initial visit was not good. The person who "greeted" me after waiting for 20 minutes was extremely…read morerude. However, subsequent visits have been really good. It's a feel good thing to help people with medical issues who rely on plasma products. Of course, compensation is nice. Their new member compensation offer is less than other companies, but it's still good. Their weekly compensation is usually higher, so it's all good. The professionalism in the donor process is phenomenal. Very pleased with this location.

I'm coming to the center so many times and one time that my blood pressure was apparently too high…read moreon the low end they deferred me. They saw that my pulse was at 68 and for some reason, still decided to defer me.

CSL Plasma is definitely a place I would recommend to those I know and to those that I don't know…read morewho are looking to do something good to help those in need of the medication that's generated from the process of the blood that is donated from the many wonderful people that go there looking to something good to helping others in need and getting well pay for there time and countless generosity of wanting to help the many people who count on us to do what we do to help others. The staff there are bery professional and caring. They've have always made me feel very welcomed and I always look forward to going there because I actually enjoy helping the many in need of the medication that is processed from this process. The hours of operation have always been convenient because it allows me to good pretty much whenever I am available throughout the week when I'm free to do so. They know what the term customer service is and for someone my age that's is extremely important because these days you just don't experience that in most places of business. Anytime I have had a situation come up where I felt like I needed to express my concern about something or simply ask some questions they've been there to listen to me and do everything they can do to it better for me and others behind me. So please don't ever hesitate to express yourself and ask questions if it's simply something you don't know. It's just a great place to go if you want to help and get paid very fairly for the your time and efforts. I hope this information helps anyone who wanted to know this. Much Love to You ALL CSL Staff and Management for all the great work you all do there. Spruce

After seeing all the content online about promoting $800 first time donors. I dropped by to take…read moreadvantage of this offer. What I found was that it is $500 over there course of five donations. So you only get $100 per donation up to $500. That was a little disappointing to find out their fee was substantially less. The staff was incredibly nice and just thankful that you were there to donate. I didn't realize how important it really was to donate plasma. It's a cure for those who really need it. There are people that come in here every week for the sake of Money. Not being judgmental, times are tough...that's the reason I'm here. The staff is hospitable. A special shout out to Deven/MSA for her patience getting me logged in as well as the receptionist Eliza.

I have been donating at this location for months and I couldn't be happier with how friendly and…read morewelcoming everyone is. Donating here is a breeze, and I always feel warm and welcomed. I highly recommend this location if you would like to help save lives and make a few extra bucks in the process.

From the owner: BioLife Plasma Services, part of Takeda, is a trusted leader in the collection of high-quality…read moreplasma required to produce lifesaving and life-sustaining medicines for hundreds of thousands of people with rare and serious health conditions and in critical-care settings. Donations from more than 260 BioLife centers in the United States and Europe are essential to Takeda developing more than 20 approved brands of medicine made from plasma.

if you value your health you should avoid this plasma center. two different employees missed the…read morevein on both of my arms. They sliced up the inside of the arm basically so now I'm stuck disfigured with bruises and I have to live with any permanent damage they caused.

As I sit here for 45 minutes and yet to have my vein accessed, I can't imagine this is good…read morebusiness. Why have people wait so long to get processed. I realize that I am getting compensated but it is becoming more concerning to go through the trouble. I have donated at other centers and can get through the process in a fraction of the time.

Top quality care and staff here at We Are Blood!!…read more The place is clean and has fun saving lives atmosphere. The staff are friendly and great at doing their jobs. This place saves lives and always needs blood. They sometimes have free merch but let's donate to help central Texas !!! One note. It's sometimes cold when donating. Bring a hoodie!!

I'm blown away by how everyone at this blood donation location is so incredibly friendly! Very…read morehelpful, they answer questions, educate, and are proud of their job and helping people. Whether you've donated blood before or not, I highly recommend checking out the North Lamar location of We Are Blood as they are a first class operation with amazing people that truly care. Thanks for your great staff and the pleasurable experience today in donating blood.