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Octapharma Plasma - San Pablo

4.0 (52 reviews)
Closed 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

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At Octapharma!

I love the people there. The staff are the best and very sweet. I get in there and get out fast. They are very attentive and take care of business.

Inside entry

When I first arrived I met with Mike, he assisted with the initial intake. He is friendly, patient and answers all your questions. Be aware this intake can take around 2-3 hours. Give yourself time and depending on how busy that is too. Fridays I check in with the amazing Kathy. She is awesome, friendly and I always look forward to seeing when I come in. Shout out to Robert who is another great staff. Friendly and great to see around. Overall great experience for me. I wish they had more promos or bonus for return donors.

Ninja.Kitty L.

Always wonderful service and staff at this location. Flo & Susie are very friendly and welcoming and always make sure everyone that comes in is comfortable. Susie did my intake and I have been a regular for several months now. I highly recommend the San Pablo location for your plasma donations.

Cathy B G.

[The five stars for this update and the previous one is to provide evidence that the intent of the research and reviews of Octapharma in San Pablo is improvement, not to damage a business with a low star rating. Since posting my 2-star review on 11/14, 5 new 5-star reviews have appeared--mostly from people out of town. This is the response you can expect if you have a concern about a needle injury inflicted by a phlebotomist at this store. ] I was ambushed and pulled into the back office by Earvin, the assistant manager, after writing a review recommending changes in communication practices by phlebotomists who injure "donors" by misplacing needles and/or using too much pressure. I expected I may not be welcome back. Instead, since both my arms were badly injured by phlebotomists in this store (Earvin and I discussed those injuries in the back office only a few days earlier), Elena the intake tech said that I would not be allowed to sell plasma until they healed. Frankly, I was relieved. The stress from these experiences is considerable, and I don't need the money in the same way I did previously. This time, I could walk away. I just needed to confirm for the research the lack of accountability for any injury caused by the phlebotomists here. Elena retrieved Earvin from his office where he'd been alerted I was in the store (there were, like, 4 people there on Sunday morning, so it was very obvious when one of the techs went into Earvin's office to tell him I was there while I stood first and only in line. It was all in my line of sight.) Earvin came out, I told him I was recording to keep everything transparent and accurate. He acknowledged and agreed. I asked him to confirm that the reason they are denying access to their marketplace to sell my plasma is because Octapharma's phlebotomists had injured both my arms with misplaced needles to such an extent that the infiltration (the internal bleeding causing severe bruising) made my arms unusable in this context. He would not confirm that. Then the assistant manager insinuated that the bruising wasn't caused in this store by saying, "Maybe the bruising is from here, we don't know that." Sowing doubt about my credibility and trustworthiness in front of staff and other "donors" is enough to demonstrate not only an active attempt to cover-up the cause of injuries in this store (he knew where the bruises came from), but to shift the burden of responsibility and liability out of the realm of Octapharma's practices and onto the "donor." I got home and began writing an article for a series on LinkedIn and a piece in a series on Medium for An InJustice magazine. UPDATE: LinkedIn article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/octapharma-plasma-data-based-user-experience-glenn-ph-d-she-her-/?trackingId=45Ed7BaavvyrV Medium article: I can now demonstrate in firsthand, data-based terms how phlebotomist and management practices shift needle injury responsibility and accountability to the "donor." They also conflate fake medical authority with profit-making practices, which steals all the power from the "donor" to advocate for her/him/themselves., to speak up when a procedure has gone wrong, and to express that experience in a legal public forum like Yelp to inform others of the problems with accountability for injuries. These are business practices that have been empowered the last four years and have gained momentum in taking advantage of those who have no choices but to put their bodies and lives on the line to survive. Octapharma needs to be held to account for injuries caused by their phlebotomists when a user sells plasma in their marketplace. Last update: As an experiment, I tried using the OctaPass online check-in today to see if management's next move was to block access and shut down concerns about safety for "donors" at his store by suspending that option for me. The prediction was correct: my eligibility to "donate" has been cancelled. I am no longer welcome in the Octapharma San Pablo marketplace because I spoke up and advocated for myself. Screenshot added. This is another tool for Octapharma staff and management to use to shut down dissent by blocking access of those with concerns. This is not a business you can trust. [I reached out on LinkedIn--as a fellow professional--to Earvin Romero, the assistant manager in San Pablo hoping he might reframe his aggressive posture and have an open conversation about the problems with phlebotomist-caused injuries. He ignored my request to connect.]

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2 months ago

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1 year ago

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7 months ago

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1 year ago

Helpful folk. The intake nurses were very professional and kind. I would go back more often, but it's a bit of a drive for me.

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7 months ago

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8 months ago

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1 year ago

All the staff are very friendly and provide exceptional quality care. Very descriptive process and efficient procedures.

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2 years ago

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1 year ago

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2 years ago

Friendly staff. The process as a first donor can be long but they put all your concerns at ease!

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6 years ago

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2 years ago

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2 years ago

This place robs people for the money, in Oakland they give me 60 for a 46 hematocrit Pablo stole 10 dollars for my hematocrit, damn shame.

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3 years ago

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2 years ago

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1 year ago

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4 years ago

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2 years ago

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2 years ago

Have been getting better service, phone service is still not the best and there is a pay drop every few months.

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2 years ago

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2 years ago

Highly Recommend, if you're low on cash. Next to the old Big Lots and soon to be Savers. Awesome staff Robert & Suzanna is the best.

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6 years ago

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Review Highlights - Octapharma Plasma - San Pablo

I enjoy seeing his smile welcoming each donor as if we are all his besties.

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American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter - ARC blood drive check in.

American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter

1.0(1 review)
10.4 mi

This review is based off of the horrible customer service I received from Sharon E Jones who is a…read moreCalifornia representative for the Red Cross in San Rafael. Red Cross is a wonderful organization that helps many people and like them I decided I wanted to give a hand myself. Recently I contacted Sharon to try finish the steps of becoming a Licensed Training provider for the Red Cross. After submitting the required application and other documents I was informed by Sharon via email that submitting the application is last step needed to process my application. Very confused because I already sent the application and also the same email stated the application was received I sent Sharon an email asking for verification on what additional documents are needed.. After waiting a few days and not hearing back from Sharon I gave her a call and left a message. Sharon returned my call very promptly and asked if I had any questions. I stated to Sharon that I was confused on what additional information is need to process my LTP application. Sharon stated she sent me the required information in an email. I checked my email while over the phone to try to retrieve the email in question but I was unlucky in recovering the email. I asked Sharon if she could resend the email and she refused to send it in the beginning because she already sent it because it showed sent to my email address in her out box. Again I checked both email addresses that Sharon said she had on file but was unsuccessful in retrieving the email . I asked her if she could try to resend while we are on the phone ans Sharon informed me she already resent while I was searching through my email. Therefore I checked both email for the third time refreshing my screen and was unsuccessful once more. I figured something was wrong with my email so I asked Sharon if I could come to the office and pick up the documents of the requirement documents needed to submit for processing. Sharon angrily expressed she hardly visits that office and there are no staff there because the office is rarely used, I explained to Sharon I am willing to me her anywhere to pick up the documents with the requirements listed. She begin to shout over the phone telling me she is not driving to Oakland to provide me with the documents requesting additional information. I explained in a calm tone I reside in Richmond which is less than a 7 minutes from San Rafael and again I don't mind meeting at a starbucks or other business to retrieve the letter with the additional requirements so I can provide everything needed so my application can be processed. Sharon begin to SHOUT " I WILL NOT LET YOU COME TO MY HOUSE , I DO NOT ALLOW STRANGERS TO KNOW WHERE i LIVE." I ended the conversation after hearing her shout at me with with thank you for your time. Can't believe Sharon did not display any kind of customer service skills when trying to resolve a simple problem of providing the list of the required documents needed from me to process my application. If I didn't already pay $500 dollars to become Red Cross Instructor training and sat through several hours of training I would pursue becoming an instructor for another organization like AHA.

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American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter - ARC blood drives in San Rafael.

ARC blood drives in San Rafael.

American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter
American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter

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American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter

American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter

4.5(2 reviews)
12.0 mi

As my friends on Yelp might know, I'm a psychiatrist who works in the East Oakland ghetto. Only my…read moreFacebook friends know what's going on right now. We have to sell our house, I have parents in Germany, and I found a great job in Germany working for the US military as a civilian. But they require a whole slew of medical tests and certifications. So I needed the basic CPR stuff again. Being a physician working in psychiatry in an outpatient clinic, I haven't been certified in over 5 years. But I've taken maybe 4 or 5 courses in the past. "Annie, Annie, are you all right?" And the courses were all pretty dry, boring and to the point. Get in, get out! Here's your card. Well, to get certified again I wanted a quick way out. I found an online course. Paid my money, downloaded the material, and actually studied the material and took the test without cheating. I felt great. But, not practical tests. And my future employer said it wasn't approved by the AHA. Duh! My bad. So then I signed up for a "real" class online. Location was San Leandro. Got three confirmation/reminders. Showed up and no one was there. (See my previous yelp review.) Finally I signed up online with the Red Cross. Had to wait several weeks but got this great Alameda location. Now to the bottom line: this was the best course I've ever taken for CPR/BCLS. The intructor Aaron was awesome. He really cared about helping people. He made it interesting. He challenged us with questions and decisions, but he never judged us. He is an excellent teacher providing positive feedback and encouragement. I can highly recommend this course for anyone, amateur or health care provider. I thoroughly enjoyed this course and was encouraged to review the skills I learned. A job well done, Aaron and American Red Cross.

Just went through the full day of training on Adult CPR, AED and First Aid training... yup, you are…read morelooking at an American Red Cross Certified. The location can be pretty hard to find, since it is really setting in the middle of no where (a.k.a. abandoned Naval Base since the 80s) If you are here for training, remember to bring lunch. Because, there is absolutely nutting right next to this facility and there is no way you can just "walk" to any where that's near by~ so, come prepared. The course really is NOT that boring~ It's long, but quit fulfilling. The activity is enough to keep you busy throughout the hours. The intense repetition of the CPR chest pumping in TWO minutes can really get some work out done!! From 9 to 5, from the basics of CPR procedure to the AED treatment. You really can't miss out an action~! Certification comes with the completion of the course AND two exams. Tough task~! Lot's of stress~! High Demand~! ............... lol Its not like I can go serve in the ER now, but I do have that sense of confidence as I had the opportunity to grasp better understanding, preparation and awareness in case of any accident or emergency. The instructor equipes with GREAT experience, and she was very patient, quit witt and helpful. It was a great experience~ Now I Am Certified~! I am READY to SAVE Tha World~!!!!!

American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter

American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter

2.6(24 reviews)
9.8 miNorth Oakland

As I walked into the building, there's no reception. Unfortunately you have to find your own class…read morehere. And luckily, it was right where you enter. Okay, so the instructor Nicole something, let's say not at all welcoming at all. Not even friendly, not a greeting, just nothing. Once instruction began, she never introduced her to us. Idk, what do we call you? Honestly, we just preformed "missions" like we did in the online portion in portion. We did do actual CPR on dummies and dummy babies. It's straight forward but I was honestly just waiting for it to be done. So then, since this was a hybrid class and was only 1:40 hours long. We were out 20 minutes early since no one had questions. I'll probably renew my certification somewhere else.

I've taken Health-care provider and regular CPR/First Aide and AED for a very long time and a few…read moreof those times through ARC with no problem or incidence. But since they changed how they do things I will never take another class with them. 1. Instructor was unprofessional and a liar regarding getting our certificates to us once the class was finished the same day is what she said. 2. Wasnt informed on line or over the phone, after spending over $100 for this class I would have to wait more than 2 days to receive my certificate. 3. ARC customer service was of no help, kept saying they have to email the instructor to have her email us the link for our certificates but she has 48 hts which she already exceeded. She just ignored them and as of today we still don't have our certificates. I will be asking for a refund. 4. Also their website is horrible it keeps freezing if you opt to complete part of your work on line before class good luck with that, kept asking me every time I signed in to creat a new pass word. And also making me start from the beginning instead of where I last left off. 5. No longer a fan of red cross for my CPR/First Aid/AED, they may help in the community but not in the class or on the phone for that matter. 6. Will make sure I take this through my employer next time or somewhere, where they make their emploees take or have accountability.

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American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter
American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter
American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter

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Vitalant - San Francisco - Downtown - Refreshment Area

Vitalant - San Francisco - Downtown

3.3(108 reviews)
11.9 miFinancial District

I donated whole blood at this Vitalant blood donation location last Friday morning. The last time…read moreI donated blood was back in 2009 at this same location when it used to be Blood Center of the Pacific. I was so happy when the front desk receptionist Denise was able to retrieve the records of my previous visits on her computer. Denise was very friendly and helpful. The medical staff, I think her name was Keisha, was very friendly when she spoke with me in the interview room and very skillfully trained when she both prepared me for and performed my blood transfusion. The whole procedure took about 15 minutes and there was no pain or discomfort. After my transfusion, I entered the snack area and had a few bags of free snacks and a bottle of water, as was recommended. I had a very pleasant visit at Vitalant. I feel really good for having donated blood because my blood can be available for people who really need it.

The blood donation itself was fine. Being barraged with emails, paper mail, phone calls & low…read morequality voicemails was not fine...I had to remove myself from their lists multiple times, and when I emailed "Susan" directly letting her know the non-stop pressure to donate was excessive, she responded with "sure, we can remove you from our communications. Also, let me know what day and time works for you to come donate again." I was baffled. They're relentless and it only made me want to never deal with them again. I won't be donating through them anymore.

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Vitalant - San Francisco - Downtown - February 7, 2026  No matter what location each successful Blood Date saves up to three lives!

February 7, 2026 No matter what location each successful Blood Date saves up to three lives!

Vitalant - San Francisco - Downtown - Interior

Interior

Vitalant - San Francisco - Downtown - Front Desk

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Front Desk

Octapharma Plasma - San Pablo - blooddonation - Updated May 2026

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