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

Verified active

♥ VolunteerWhole bloodPower RedPlateletsPlasma

523 E Gay St, West Chester, PA, 19380-2700

(610)692-1217

Operator: American Red Cross

★★★★★3.5 (4 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 (4)

Historical community reviews restored from the original BloodBanker directory.

Bailey Richardson2014-07-11
★★★★★
I had a pleasant experience. Nothing outstanding or spectacular, but it was a decent, clean, well-lit facility and everyone did their job and things flowed smoothly.
Bryan2012-04-24
★★★★★
I've donated here before in the past. That's correct, it is a site where you actually donate platelets, for free, as you would blood. It was a good experience. Took about two hours, a little less even. They set you up in a decent chair, comfy enough. You select a movie from a closet, the selections not bad either. And just chill there while the blood is extracted, seperated, and then returned. Not bad, but yeah, for free.
Blood Donors2011-01-10
★★★★★
Phone: 1-800-RED CROSS(1-800-733-2767) Hours: Monday 7:30am - 2:30pm (platelet pheresis) Tuesday 1:00pm - 8:00pm (platelet pheresis) Wednesday and Thursday - 1:00pm - 8:00pm (whole blood) Friday 7:30am - 2:30pm (platelet pheresis) Saturday 7:30am - 2:30pm (whole blood _ platelet pheresis) Sunday 7:00am - 2:00pm (whole blood _ platelet pheresis) Donation Types: whole blood and platelet pheresis
Rae2010-10-17
★★★★★
I called, they are not a place where you can sell plasma. It's just a regular Red Cross (i.e. where you can donate blood)