Shepeard Community Blood Center

I’ve donated blood 3 times in the past. The first 2 times went without incident. The last time… Not so much.
My last donation was horrible. The woman didn’t like how slowly I was bleeding so she decided she would adjust the needle. It felt like she stabbed through the vein and was just digging in my inner elbow. Afterwards she declared that I had clotted and wasn’t bleeding anymore (this generally happens when you’re not in the vein by the way) and she removed the needle. When removing the needle she pulled it at an angle cutting my inner elbow. After this debacle she told me all our efforts were for nothing since the bag wasn’t full. I got a cookie, an orange juice and a t-​shirt that will never be worn outside the house.
After a couple of hours I was concerned with my bruising. 2 days later I was able to make it down to the office to show the director and assistant director my arm. I was told 10% of donors bruise and that my bruising wasn’t THAT bad and the next time I donate, if I choose to, to use my other arm.
So yes, donate if you’re able to. Just know your arm may end up looking mangled and people may think you’re a victim of domestic abuse.
***See photo for bruised arm.

The front desk woman was a little awkward and they didn’t do a great job of bringing people back in the order in which they arrived, but all in all this was a great clinic. The questionnaire process was streamlined, the wait wasn’t too long. The building is spacious and clean. The lady who took my blood was very understanding when I had a miniature panic attack before being stuck. :-)
Good place. Give blood, people!