Is donating at American Red Cross paid or volunteer?

American Red Cross appears to be a volunteer blood donation site — donations are unpaid and go to patients in need.

What can I donate at American Red Cross?

Based on the operator, this center collects whole blood, power red (double red cells), platelets, plasma. Availability can vary — confirm with the center.

Do I need an appointment to donate?

Many centers prefer or require an appointment. You can usually schedule through American Red Cross.

American Red Cross

Network operating

♥ VolunteerWhole bloodPower RedPlateletsPlasma

7675 Mesa College Dr, San Diego, CA, 92111-5341

(858)715-8300

Operator: American Red Cross

★★★★★3.3 (3 reviews)

Schedule a donation →

via American Red Cross

Get directions →

Before you go

✅ Bring a photo ID and a list of any medications.
💧 Hydrate well and eat iron-rich food beforehand.
😴 Get a good night's sleep; avoid heavy exercise right after.
🕒 Set aside about an hour (about 1 hour (10 min in the chair)).

Check if you're eligible →See who your blood type helps →

Donor reviews (3)

Historical community reviews restored from the original BloodBanker directory.

Muhammad Nelson2014-05-14
★★★★★
I did not know how big help I could give to someone else's life until I began donating blood. It's an amazing feeling.
LUIS DOMINGUEZ2011-11-24
★★★★★
How much do you pay for donate plasma? What do I need to do if want to donate?
Blood Donor Friend2010-10-22
★★★★★
American Red Cross conveniently located off of Highway 163 Mesa Medical Plaza is effortlessly accessible from the adjacent overpass, across from the heart of San Diegos largest and busiest medical office center, Sharp Hospital and Rady Childrens Hospital.