Make sure you have everything you need before your first donation. You have to have your ID, proof of address, and your social security card. If you don't have the social security card, your social can be verified at the front desk. If you don't have your proof of address you can donate your first time without it, but you have to bring it your second time. Make sure you eat a big meal before you come because your first visit as a new donor takes 2.5-3 hours. You want something on your stomach while donating.
The process goes like this: You sign in and have your identity verified, you watch a new donor video on the donation process, you're then taken to a private booth where your photo is taken and your profile is created and pay card is issued, you answer a bunch of health questions on the computer in the booth, you have your vital signs and weight taken in the booth, then you have a quick physical with a nurse in an office, then you go donate which takes 45 min to an hour. There can be A LOT OF WAITING in between each part of the process so be prepared. If you think you are waiting too long in between each part don't just sit there, SAY SOMETHING. Employees get VERY busy with regular donors while you are going through the new donor process.
You can donate twice a week in a rolling seven day period. You have to wait at least 24 hours in between the two donations.
The donor fees are always changing every few months so it's best to just call to ask what they are.
It's worth it because you are literally helping save a life and getting compensated to do it. read more