This is my first time donating blood. The last time I tried, I couldn't donate because my hemoglobin count was below the threshold. This time, I ate lots of iron-rich foods the day before and drank plenty of water. I was cleared to donate after the test and questionnaire. The nurse who jabbed me was really nice--she made sure I was okay. I'm actually super scared of needles, so she told me I could look away. My bleed time was around 8 minutes. When I was done, they gave me a juice box. I got some snacks too and a pin! 10/10 would come again to donate. read more

Canadian Blood Services - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

Absolutely professional every step of blood giving! They make donors feel welcome and cared for! read more

Canadian Blood Services - Just gave - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

Last donation appointment was in Surrey and this time on Oak. Consistent and efficient in both locations. I used the app to make the appointment, filled out the questionnaire and read the literature required all on the app first. When I got there was a breeze. Got in and out pretty quickly, but due to my increasing donation time I was in there longer than needed...that's on me. . Friendly staff with a smile!! Makes it easier each time. read more

Canadian Blood Services - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

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After donating blood for over 20 years, I stopped for 6 years due to my 3 orthopedic surgeries, but after donating 2 times this year in the Vancouver area I don't think I will ever donate again! The first time everyone there was unfriendly except the cookie lady. And after today's donation, I was on the phone with a nurse for 2 hours with dizziness and nausea despite hydrating for 3 days prior! The 811 nurse kept telling me to call an ambulance and go to the hospital since the room was spinning. I nearly fell over while trying to get to the couch... very frightening! Since I've never fainted in my lifetime, I'm certain 2 of the contributing factors were due to the RN at the donor clinic reprimanding me for requesting an 'experienced' blood taker. She guilted me before AND after they took a pint! And they never once took my blood pressure, which, even 2 hours later was higher than ever in my lifetime! She scolded me like a young child, with, "The young lady took your rejection personally." I felt like a bad person. :-( And if that wasn't enough, the RN then rushed me out the door since I was the last donor, with, "You can stay as long as you like but my staff can't go home until you do." She made the experience about her staff, instead of the kind people who put their health in jeopardy to give their blood to others. I turned to say good-bye but all the CBS staff were standing along the walls, staring at me as if they wished I hadn't donated a part of my body to save a life, or 3. Now I wished I hadn't. No one said thank you to me, except the dude in the parking lot loading the truck. Tomorrow, I get to miss 2 workouts healing from this terrifying ordeal... and after this horrible experience with rude CBS people I no longer feel good about 'helping the sick or injured'. :-( read more

From my first donation to my most recent one a few days ago, the staff here have always been phenomenal. I was actually rejected the first time I tried, so all that stress and anxiety was for nothing. However at my first successful donation, I was super nervous but was reassured by the kind staff who explained each step thoroughly to calm my nerves. A small pinch and a few minutes later I was done! The nurses are so patient and kind to new donors, and so good at finding a good vein! It's always my fear that they'll miss like when you go to do a blood test... the volunteers are also so amazing and friendly and make it a really great experience. It's great to do with a group, and I've been slowly rounding up more friends to go with me every three months. We help save lives, enjoy some juice boxes and snacks and then go for a nice lunch :) read more

I've had many great donation experiences here in the last two years. I came in yesterday for my fourth multiplasma donation and was treated very well as usual! Donating plasma is a bit different than giving whole blood. For one thing, you are giving blood from anywhere between 30-60 minutes. You're usually treated to a blanket, hand-warmer, and a tv with cable or a movie of your choice. There is an extensive selection of movies to choose from. Unlike whole blood, you don't feel as drained afterwards, as your blood is recycled back to you without the red blood cells. The blood drawing process does not hurt usually, and when it does, it's only for a second or two as the needle is inserted. As they say, blood is in you to give and it's inspiring to see posters in the clinic telling us about some of the lives that have been saved from donations. The staff here are excellent from top to bottom, and really go out of their way to make my visits pleasant. My only regret is that I can't donate more often! :) read more

Best place in town to bleed into a bag and save a few lives. Highly recommend asking for the dynamic duo of Wendy and Harp, they're true pro's with needles! read more

Canadian Blood Services - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

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It pains me to write less than a stellar review for this place, as I SO appreciate all that this organization does (it literally saves lives!), and I've had family members who have used the services and blood products of this organization (and the US equivalent blood services) a LOT. And, by way of introduction, I have donated more gallons of blood in my life than I can recall (I have a ton of gallon pins in storage somewhere), both in Canada and in the States, as I regularly have donated since I've been 18. Plus, many of the workers here are volunteers, so who wants to ding a place that does good work and is staffed by altruistic people who want to help? But to say this place is inefficiently run is an understatement, and I'd bet my bottom dollar that they are losing a TON of potential donations by turning people away at the door. The same way that they turned me and my daughter away at the door today. And for an organization that is clamoring for donations, that bases its very existence on donations, that relies on donations not only to stay in business but to save the lives it claims is its mission - to turn people away from donating seems almost criminal. Antithetical, at the very least. Contrary to common sense. At best: inefficient. My daughter recently turned 18 and she's wanted to donate blood for a long time. So today was the day! I had tried to book us an appointment online for donation but was unable to due to the fact that my kid doesn't yet have a blood donation card and has to register in person. (We ideally wanted to go to the downtown Dunsmuir St. location, where I've donated in that past, but it isn't open on the weekends. Again, losing prospective donations). So I wasn't able to schedule an appointment for us online, but I saw that this Oak Street location was open on Saturdays and, in fact, was the primary headquarters in Vancouver for the CBS. Furthermore, driving along Oak to this building and into its parking lot, there were multiple, large signs that read "Donate Blood Today!", "Blood Donation Clinic Open!". I figured, main headquarters, probably seasoned phlebotomists, open today and taking donations...shouldn't be a problem for my kid's first blood donation, right? Right? Wrong! We walk in to register and a lady approaches us to ask if we have an appointment. I replied no as my kid doesn't have a card so it's impossible to book an appointment for her, it must be in person only for one's first time, to be registered by staff. The lady says they can't see us today, it's by appointment only and asks us to return on a weekday. She adds that they are presently understaffed. I reply that we can't return during the week as my kid is in school full-time. Strange, how they want donations and the signs outside say "give blood today" but they won't take us. We felt so rejected. (Note: if they aren't taking walk-ins, their website should reflect this. We had checked online immediately before driving here about the clinic's location and hours. Also, they shouldn't be posting signs outside advertising the clinic being open and accepting donations if they are not in a position to take said donations). I'm not sure what to do now. I guess we'll have to wait until my kid has a day off from school, to return to this clinic, to give blood. I hope she still is as excited about the prospect of giving blood after today's rejection and trip out here for nothing. Heck, I hope she still wants to give at all. Today's events might have turned her off from the idea forever. And the prospect of that saddens me. read more

Also a first time donor, and I was totally freaking out in that chair but trying not to show it (don't think I did the best job though, since they kept asking if I was okay). I really don't like to see the needle and all that stuff in me so once they inserted, they even covered my arm up so I didn't have to see it. And one of the phlebotomists even sat with me for a while and chatted with me to keep me company, so I wouldn't freak out too much. At some point my fingers were getting cold so the phlebotomist filled up a glove with warm water for me to hold. Before you actually give your blood, they ask TONNNNNNNNEESS of questions, and really personal ones at that. So just be prepared for that. Like if you've ever slept with a man who has slept with another man, or if you've slept with a man from Africa, or paid for sex... just to name a few. The cookies and juice were fun because they're the most hyped up part of the whole experience! And the cool thing is that they have prizes for the number of times you donate: the first time you get a thank you card; third time a zipper pull; 10th time a pin... and it goes up from there. Maybe on your 100000000th, they'll give you a car? :-D read more

Canadian Blood Services - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

I frequent this place about every 2 months, seriously I actually do and sure I sometimes feel a lack of energy throughout my day, but the feeling you get while donating something that can saves lives is a good thing, and I can see a rise in my wait times here, as for the few times I have been back (the next time will be 8) more and more people are in the chairs giving. I have to thank my dear, as this is just one of the ways to give back and help someone you don't even know, cause blood is always in need. I still have fears that have not been squished by being poked so many times on my finger, and on my arm for taking my blood, but in the end it is going to people in need, and that alone is a good feeling. I still remember arranging my first visit here, and they make it very comfortable for you to donate blood. They go through all their checks as in ID, and the questionaire, which ask some very personal questions, from drug usage, sexual orientation, and if you have been to certain countries from X year, to X year, it's pretty thorough, and also it's asked everytime afterwards. After your first visit your issued a donor card for easier access into their database. The one part I don't like is the first poke into finger to see your iron levels, this one just seems to sting a little more. Later on they verify all your info and your sent to a booth to answer some questions, and to fill the little boxes fully with a pen. After you are done.. is when you go into an office, blood pressure and temperature taken, and asked those fun questions, as stated above and a choice of whether you want your blood to be used with a Yes or No sticker! After you're done the formalities then you come right out, and that's when donation begins. It's your choice, right arm or left, and while sitting in a nice relaxing chair, the blood starts flowing through the tubes to the bag your connected to. During this time I see other people who are just sitting there, and either you can pass the time playing with your smart phone in one hand, or actually watching the tv they have in the donation area, which usually is on some interesting channel. The nurses on duty always check on you, as they say, at anytime you can opt out if you are feeling discomfort. I don't bother looking when they put the needle in me (needle fear!) and just think good thoughts of the donation. Afterwards, they guide you to a table where a volunteer supplies you with enough liquids and treats to get you on your way. I usually have two juice boxes and a bag of nuts and bolts before I leave, and maybe two jelly in the middle Peek Freens. The volunteer, if it's not your first time, ask for your donation card, where they stamp the date of donation on the back (like a running total) of how many times you have been here, and you get a cute little sticker stating that you have donated (where it in pride!). Everyone is very pleasant here, and the whole process just for regular blood donation usually takes an hour. This is really about giving back, something that is in you, and you can replenish. For myself, after seeing people like my own grandmother have a blood transfusion, knowing that some people need this on an ongoing basis, it really doesn't matter who I am helping, cause that small litlle bit goes a far way, and from my last few visits, it seems that the message is going through to others about donating blood. I probably have the most common of bloods out there (B+) but that doesn't stop me from going, and usually they already book the next appointment when I am there. Just remember, after you donate, get some good rest, stay away from booze, and just know that you did something good on that day. No. 900 on the review count can't get any better than this place! read more

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The blood mobile comes to my workplace a few times a year. This time I decided I would give blood for the first time. The whole process takes about an hour. First you get finger pricked and they check your iron, hemoglobin and other things. Then you fill out a questionnaire and get asked some questions by the one nurse on site. Finally, the blood drawing health workers hook you to the blood drain. My veins were small, so they had to pump up my arm, which was slightly uncomfortable. In the end I gave one pint (bag) of blood. The staff is really nice and they give you several juice boxes and cookies. The reason I removed one star because my impression was that everyone on board was a nurse. I think health care workers should have name tags with their titles or at least tell people coming in what their role is. Especially because this is voluntary. About 6 weeks later, then mailed me my blood type. If you are eligible, I highly recommend giving blood at least once. You don't really feel what you lost. read more

Canadian Blood Services - 1st time donor pin - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

They are a JOKE!!! I donated once my O negative blood no problem but my gp doctor had to do a report so that i could donate the second time and I got to the appointment the 2nd time and was sent away and told no you can not donate and then my same gp doctor had to redo the paperwork. Now i am told on Sept 25th that as of June 2020 I was able and allowed to donate and then I called these clowns and I was told i can never donate ever again!!! They can go f**k themselves!!! read more

Giving feels great, especially when you don't really lose anything. Just make sure you drink lots of fluid before you go and dress warmly. And don't get your teeth cleaned the day you decide to donate blood. read more

Canadian Blood Services - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

It pains me to speak poorly of an organization like this... I went to my appointment on the wrong day (which is admittedly completely my own fault!) and the staff member who was doing intake was very unhappy to reschedule my appointment. She would not let me pick which day to rebook on. When I told her I couldn't come on the day she offered because I had work, she told me I should just leave and book it myself on my own computer and was interrupting me and talking over me as I tried to explain to her that the website won't let me do that if there is a missed appointment on file. It was so strange. Please chastise me all you want for mixing up the appointment days, I deserve that, but her being purposefully rigid and hard on me when I wanted to reschedule my missed appointment was unexpected. I thought you needed donors? I ended up just taking the next appointment she gave me even though it didn't work for me and I had to call their help line to manually reschedule it to another time. I would've been happy to wait if she wanted to attend to other people first if that's what was causing her to be abrasive. I do feel sorry for the inconvenience my mistake caused her and I hope whatever is stressing her out lessens! I will update my review when I do end up donating. read more

I starting giving blood years ago and have been doing so once a year since. Giving blood drains me of energy for a good week, thus the yearly visits rather than the 3 month visits. I've gotten my older two kids to start giving as well. A person can start donating once they reach the age of 17. My third will start donating next year on her birthday. It's amazing the work they do at the clinic. The staff and volunteers are so nice and friendly. They treat you as if you were Royalty! There are a few steps to take before you donate, but they are quick and efficient about it. once they seat you, they make sure you're comfortable. They answer any and all questions and or concerns you may have. Once you're finished donating they STUFF you full of cookies and juice!! A good thing all around. read more

I admit that I was absolutely terrified when I went in to donate 3 days ago. It was my first time, I'm scared of needles, and the sight of blood makes me queasy. But after asking myself "why am I doing this?" I remembered that lives could be saved. Anyway, I walked in and the process went smoothly. The staff were just amazing. I had never been treated so humanely and they kept checking on me to see if I was okay as my blood was being drained. Then I was given a shirt pin with the Canadian Blood Services logo. This really made my day; it was like receiving a badge of honor. Donors are often thanked but it's the technicians, admins, and volunteers that make it possible to save lives. It's also important to recognize that in this covid era they are also putting their own lives on the line. Thank you Canadian Blood Services for being so awesome and saving countless lives. read more

Canada's Supply is based eligible people providing their blood as a gift to others in need. Canadian Blood Services recruits screen extracts and recognizes volunteer blood donors who give their life giving fluid to those in need of blood products do to illness and surgery. Unless a steady stream of donors can be found and retained either you or your friends and family medical treatment can be delayed or even denied. If donors cant be found an even less palatable option would be Blood Services contact with clinics to recruit paid donors that sadly may conceal their health concerns during screening process for modest monetary gain they would receive for selling their blood and platelets. I donated yesterday with appointment the whole process was done in less then and hour. After donating was done I felt great knowing I was helping others in need. read more

Canadian Blood Services actually does NOT care about their lack of accessibility and mercy in being able to actually attend an appointment that I booked and confirmed, and for which I already completed the Q-pass questionnaire and everything else. I just needed to actually attend the appointment, which was going to happen today UNTIL an #ABLEIST staff member imposed that it is NOT acceptable to run late for ANY appointment, which is bogus and #UNETHICAL! I will NEVER ever think about donating blood ever again UNLESS Canadian Blood Services becomes more accessible and merciful to people with Invisible Disabilities of any type! read more

It could be that I've just given blood, but every single time I do it I get that warm fuzzy feeling inside. Yes, it's a slightly woozy experience, but knowing that my blood -- MY BLOOD -- is going to help someone else who may die without it? Well, shit. That's enough reason for me. The whole process is quick -- half hour, tops -- and the nurses and volunteers are so friendly, so professional, so nice, that I can't find one good reason *not* to want to do such a strange thing. Because, really, this is a very, very curious act. We lay down our entire sexual and recreational history on a piece of paper, followed by what I can only describe as a friendly interrogation by the phlebotomists (thanks to Emma L for that little gem of a title), and finally, we relax our silly ass down on a chair, get a long needle inserted into our arm, and watch the hypnotic crimson flow of our blood fill a plastic bag. (/end run on sentence) Also, there are juice and cookies offered to those who are good. Just jokes. The juice and cookies are there even if you freak out / aren't able to give / pass out. Now, that's a pretty nice thing. read more

*** Give us yer bloooood! *** As a first time donor, I was a little nervous going in for donation yesterday. Fun fact: you get a First Time Donor sticker so you get extra special treatment your first time. So you know what to expect: First you read a brochure about blood donation, HIV, and after donation. You must read it. Then you shuttled off to your first check point, for anemia. The finger poke was my least favorite part of this visit. You get a questionnaire to complete. The questionnaire is posted on the Blood Services website so no surprises. Tick, tick, tick, then your second checkpoint where a friendly staff member reviews your questionnaire to verify your eligibility to donate. The lady who chatted with me was amazing. She was friendly, put me at ease and in good humor. Some of my travel was a concern, mostly my recent trip to Egypt, so she brought in an atlas so I could point on the map to everywhere I went. Luckily I did not visit the one region which would disqualify me. Then she went through the HIV risk questions with me. I thought it was interesting at the end of the interview you are left to put a Yes or No barcode sticker on your form. This is done in case you if have engaged in any "at risk" activities and your blood should not be used but you don't want to tell anyone. Either way you still give blood, but if you use the No sticker your blood will not be used for transfution (it will still be tested). Then off to the donation chair. I'm not afraid of needles. I was there with Emma and Reena and Emma had already done her donation (that speedy girl!). The poke itself wasn't bad, but do know it's a big needle. You don't have to look at it. I did look at my set up and asked questions because I like being informed and everything was explained to me which put me at ease. I bruise VERY easily so I did begin bruising within minutes of the needle being placed (yay to having to explain that for the next few days). My donation took exactly 8m 45s. The nurse who had hooked Reena up told me she was going faster than me. I'm competitive. "how do I bleed faster??" I was strapped with ice after I was done to control bruising and given juice. My lady showed me my bag-o-blood (wow it's a lot!) and made me feel it (okay creepy). I brought GF cookies but we did learn they usually have gluten free snacks on hand, you just need to ask. There was no pressure to leave before you felt ready and everyone was just great. I also appreciated the card and sticker we were all given after as first time donors and congradulated. I had wanted to do this for a long time but had put it off as I have fainted after blood tests, I felt fine after donating. A little tired, but no passing out. My arm bruise is dark but not very big and I was given little icebags to use on it for the remainer of the day. I will definately be making regular donations from now on. Dang it there are zipper pulls to be had! Tips for first time donors: wear short sleeves or a tank top. Go with friends or Yelpers to make the experience more fun! Drink LOTS of water prior, and if you're a coffee drinker caffinate prior as you can't have hot drinks for an hour after. If you're squeamish with needles or blood, or just nervous, just tell them they are very accomodating. It's really easy, they make it as comfortable as possible, and if a few minutes of a needle in your arm can help someone. Oh, and the chair at the end gives you visual to a television which can be a good distraction :) read more

My first time donating blood, and it went incredibly well! The phlebotomists (best job name ever) were super friendly and really sweet considering how nervous we were. Everything went smoothly and my actual donation only took 7 minutes! Crazy! They had a wide range of cookies and juice afterwards, including yummy mango juice. Apparently they usually have gluten-free cookies too -- just ask a volunteer! Unfortunately, they were out today, but they ordered more so I'll be able to have them when I go back in two months! read more

After years of being petrified of needles, I decided to finally conquer my fear and donate blood. My boyfriend (an avid blood donor) came with me. We booked appointments together in the morning, but Canadian Blood services takes walk-ins as well. When you first get to the clinic, you check in with the receptionist who assigns you a number and gives you a brochure you MUST read about donating blood, HIV, and what happens afterwards. Before donating, it is highly recommend that you drink plenty of water the day before, and in the morning before you go to donate. It is also recommended that you have a good breakfast. I was super nervous the day of and forgot to drink water before we left, so I had to go to the refreshment area and drink water first before I went to the next step. Next, you get called up to a desk and have your hemoglobin levels checked. This was the step I was most nervous about, and I actually started crying. The nurse was really friendly about it, gave me tissues, and waited until I calmed down before poking my finger. I will honestly say this hurt way more than the actual needle insertion. My iron levels were really good, so I got to go on to the next step. Next, you fill out the first half of a questionnaire that asks questions about your health, travel, drug, and sexual history. After, a nurse calls you into a private office to check your temperature, blood pressure, weight, and to ask you questions on the second half of the questionnaire, which include more personal questions. As a side note, if you weigh less than 110 pounds you are ineligible for blood donation. Next, you are taken to a lounge area given a basket containing all of the supplies needed for the donation. Once you are called to the chair, your arm is cleaned, a blood pressure cuff is placed on your arm, and the needle is inserted. This step is relatively painless (especially compared to the initial finger poke). I mentioned to the nurse that I really don't like needles, so she covered my arm with a cloth so I wouldn't have to look at it. I was also given a blanket and a glove filled with warm water to hold in my hand since I was cold. Since I was a first time donor, nurses kept coming up to me to ask if I was doing okay. The nurse I cried in front of also came up to check on me! The nurses were also very happy to answer all of my questions (and since I was nervous I had a lot). My donation took about 14 minutes. After the needle is removed, you have to stay in the chair for 5 minutes and apply pressure to the needle site. After that 5 minutes is done, you get juice and cookies! They have a wide variety of cookies, and you can also get gluten free ones. If you're a coffee drinker, they offer a lot of specialty coffee drinks. You can stay in the refreshment area as long as you want (I think 15 minutes is recommended). Since it was my first time donating, I got a pin! You also get pins once you hit other milestones, such as 25x, 50x and 400-500x (that's so much blood!). Overall, even though I was petrified, my experience at Canadian Blood Services was great. The nurses are all very friendly and considerate. If you can, donate! Just think of all of the people who will benefit from your kind donation :) read more

The staff and volunteers here are really what make Canadian Blood Services 5 stars. They are amazing. I seem to be one of those people that gets weak and pale and queasy when giving blood, so they take extra good care of me while I am there. They really don't want me to faint, I guess. Not sure why I get that way, since I'm not really concerned by blood or needles. I feel bad for taking up extra time and more staff resources, but they don't seem to mind. They are super sweet and caring and will not let me move until they are sure I am okay to get up. The cookie and drinks volunteers are adorable and will keep giving you juice and snacks as long as you want to stay. Everyone there is so positive, because I think they know they are all making a difference. I love it. Such a welcoming feeling there. One day I hope to be like those pro donators that can just sit calmly and read a book like nothing is happening at all. Maybe one day my body will stop freaking out like there is something wrong. read more

Attempted to give blood at the North Lonsdale United Church in North Vancouver and waited one hour just to see the nurse. After 90 minutes and no bed, time to go. Others were leaving without giving as well. Although there were lots of friendly volunteers, there were two problem areas: (1) Not enough nurses for the screening portion and, (2) not enough beds. Good management would regularly visit these clinics to observe the process and fix problem areas. The Canadian Blood Services should know how to run a clinic by now. read more

After a near death experience I can't say enough about this program and the people who donate blood. You literally save lives! I've donated a few times now and the process at the Dunsmuir location is seamless. All the nurses are incredible and although there are always tons of people donating everything goes by quickly. read more

See you in December :) Can't wait for some Mango juice and cookies!

If you come here on a Friday you will meet Nina (pronounced "nye-na") the awesome volunteer who is fab!!! All the nurses once again proved their knowledge and professionalism - I mentioned a previous incident my boyfriend had when a nerve was poked and she assured me that everyone is routinely reassessed but told me the steps he could take to follow up. My blood pressure has been pretty low lately so after quite some time, they could only take 75% of what I normally donate (which will thankfully still be used). My donating arm is feeling a little weak and my hand wasn't circulating well in the cold so if you're a busy bee and happen to have low blood pressure, I'd advise you to take it easy for the rest of the day! They know how to deal with any situation, even in the rare chance that something goes wrong. I wouldn't trust anyone else to take a bag of bodily fluids from me! read more

I used to donate through my work at a mobile blood clinic at the Dave Copeland Community Centre but I started going with my boyfriend so we choose to go to the Oak St Main clinic now. Reception here is always friendly, good clean facility with lots of room. They are pretty efficient here, once you've checked in even if there are numerous people waiting they move you through in a very orderly manner. They also have more chairs here than with the mobile donor clinics so if you have a preference for right or left arm you get that luxury here as long as it's not super super busy. The volunteers here are really nice too, there's a little tv in the waiting area by the chairs. I have major anxiety about needles but they're always friendly about giving me water before the actual donation part. When you're all finished they provide juice and cookies and unlike the mobile donor clinic volunteers that I've seen in the past they tell you to sit here and snack until you feel ready to leave. I usually don't have more than 1 bag of cookies and water (not a fan of juice boxes) but I can tell that the staff and volunteers here really care about your stability before letting you leave. If you are looking to save a life I would definitely recommend this clinic :) read more

Canadian Blood Services - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

This was the 7th time I've donated blood and I love this clinic. Every person here is always so nice and friendly and makes the overall experience so much more enjoyable. The volunteers at the refreshment area are always so cheerful and happy that it makes it seem like you're seeing old friends. Only 2% of Canadians have my blood type, so I try and do everything I can do donate for those that are in need of my blood and so should you! The entire process usually takes anywhere from half an hour to an hour depending on how busy it is. read more

I'm really annoyed about my last blood appointment - the girl that put the needle in my arm decided to pick a random small vein on the side of my arm and when I saw her do it I told her they usually pick a bigger main vein. She told me it's fine and that they sometimes pick a different vein. I don't know what she was thinking because I'm a pretty big guy it's not like my veins are hard to find but she insisted that it would work. After about 10 minutes she came back to check up on me and saw that the blood was draining so slowly so she told me my blood pressure might be too low..... I told her it was higher today than what it usually is and when she realized that she had picked the wrong vein she offered to take it out and put it back into a bigger vein. 1. I didn't have tons of time to spare, I had already been sitting in the chair for over 15 minutes and 2. I was so hungry since I came after work. I told her that I had to go and so she just took the half bag that was collected. A few days later my arm showed bruising vertically from the point where she put the needle in. I didn't want to make her feel bad at the time but if I ever get her again I'm going to request someone else. She really didn't know what she was doing. read more

So when you choose to donate know that it's a slow and lengthy appointment that can take up to 90 minutes. First you should have made an appointment because they don't always have time for drop-in's. Then show up to your appointment on time with identification and/or your donation card to which you'll be given a tall red sleeve, a form, a number and a paper appointment card with your name written on it. Then you wait until your number is called. Once that happens you goto desk #2 where they confirm your address etc, poke your finger to test iron levels in your blood an then send you off to area #3 to complete questions 1-13 on your own. Once done those questions you put the appointment card in the card area for your name to be called. Then you wait for area #4 (screening) and when your called you go into a room and answer the remaining questions on the form and the get your temperature and heart rate readings taken. The consultant leaves the room for your final chance to stick the yes or no barcode sticker on your form, tossing out the alternate barcode. The consultant returns and you sign and date the form then proceed to waiting area #5 with your blood collection basket and paperwork sleeve. Your appointment card is once again placed in cue and then continue waiting until called for the donation chair (area #6). Once called by name you area seated in the comfy chair and poked with the blood collection needle. The bag is placed on a rocking device and you stay there til it full. Once done you finally stop over in area #7 to rehydrate/re-sugar with cookies/drinks. It's at this stage that your donor card is updated. And that's what happens. read more

Canadian Blood Services - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

great staff and volunteers. always friendly and make you feel at ease when donating.

I appreciate what they do and how they've treated my friends and I, however, I've stopped giving blood simply for two reasons: I can no longer give blood due to some medical conditions and 2. They've stopped taking blood from transgender, trans sexual and "other people." I believe and love the cause but good blood is good blood. When we hurt, do we not bleed the same color? read more

I am a donor, and am happy that I overcome the BIG needles. The staff were professional, friendly and nice. Return back? Why not? :)