Blood Donations
As the temperature rises, so does the demand for life-saving blood donations.
Donating blood is an easy process that can save up to three lives! By giving the gift of life, you are providing a second chance to local patients in need. By donating blood this summer, you can directly address the blood shortage and help ensure that our shelves are stocked and ready to help local hospitals save lives.
If you are feeling well and are eligible to donate, please visit your nearest Donor Center or Mobile Drive to donate. Visit donateblood.org to schedule your appointment. Walk-ins are welcome.
Visalia Donor Center
2245 W. Caldwell Ave.
Visalia CA 93277
Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday
9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Wednesday
10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Friday and Saturday
7 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Before You Donate
• Eat a healthy meal high in iron (tuna, spinach, turkey).
• Drink plenty of water.
• Avoid highly caffeinated beverages (coffee, tea, soda, and energy
drinks) as they can act as iron blockers.
What To Expect
1. Register
A photo ID is required to register, then you’ll be asked to verify your name and address.
2. Mini-Physical and Interview
The mini-physical consists of checking your pulse, blood pressure, temperature and hemoglobin level. In the confidential interview, a trained interviewer will ask questions about your general health and medical history, as well as questions concerning risk behaviors, foreign travel and other subjects.
Your mini-physical and interview are conducted to ensure that giving blood is healthy for you and that your blood is as safe as possible for the recipient(s). All information gathered during the physical and interview is kept strictly confidential.
3. Whole Blood Donation
The collection of a unit, about one pint of blood takes about 15 minutes. You may feel a small pinch when the needle is inserted, but most donors do not feel any pain for the duration of the donation.
4. Relax
After your donation, you can enjoy refreshments to help replenish your fluids. At this time, you have the option of scheduling your next donation appointment. After you’re done with relaxing and refreshments, you can resume most of your normal daily activities.
