Q. What can I expect as an American Red Cross Blood Donor?
A. The process, from the time you arrive until the time you leave, takes about an hour for a whole blood donation. The donation itself is only about 10 minutes. As a first-time blood donor with the American Red Cross, please allow extra time for registration as staff will need to create a new account for you in our system. To speed the process along, please consider RapidPass® and get the paperwork out of the way before you arrive to donate.
RapidPass® can help save time during your next blood or platelet donation. For the best donation experience, we recommend you schedule an appointment, then complete your RapidPass®.
The process is simple, just 4 steps - and takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Get started with some initial information, read through the pre-donation materials, answer your health history questions and print, download or email your RapidPass® to yourself, and bring it with you.
RapidPass® is compatible with most mobile devices, but if it is not compatible with your device then we encourage you to schedule an appointment to donate and answer the questions when you arrive.
Q: Will my historical donation information be retained?
A: Your Donation History, actual number of gallons/times you have given, with VBS won’t be added to your profile when you donate with the Red Cross. This is due to a new donor record being opened when you donate with the Red Cross for the first time.
We are happy to add your number of donations to your record for you based on your knowledge, or, you can contact the Red Cross Customer Care team for more formal assistance in tracking down your historical Virginia Blood Services donation total. Please call 1-855-210-1278 or email CustomerCare@redcross.org for assistance. If you are already a Red Cross donor, you may schedule through the Red Cross immediately. Call 1-800-RED CROSS, visit or use the Blood Donor App.
Q. How can I schedule my first Red Cross donation appointment?
A. Eligible donors can schedule an appointment to give blood by using the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767)
Q. Will I need to set up a new donor account to schedule appointments on the American Red Cross website?
A. Yes. Your Virginia Blood Services donor account will not carry over but creating an American Red Cross donor account is simple. Visit RedCrossBlood.org and click the “Sign In” link in the top right corner of the page. From there, choose “I Need to Create an Account” and follow the prompts to set up your new account.
Q. How can I find donation opportunities near me?
A. You can search for blood donation opportunities by entering your ZIP Code on the RedCrossBlood.org homepage. Please check back often as blood drive opportunities continue to grow over the winter, a time that can be challenging to meet the needs of the patients without the generosity of blood donors.
Q. When will the Donation Centers re-open?
A. Most Donor Centers will re-open for platelet collection in January 2019.
Platelet Donations: platelet donors can schedule appointments at our current Red Cross Donation Centers in Lynchburg and Roanoke, or at former VBS locations.
Lynchburg Donation Center: 21039 Timberlake Road, Lynchburg, VA 24502
Roanoke Donation Center: 352 Church Ave SW, Roanoke, VA 24016
Platelet donors are encouraged to schedule as those come available!
If you have specific questions regarding platelet donation, please call 1-800-272-2123.
Whole Blood Donations will be available at some donation centers starting in February 2019. More information will become available as to when Donation Centers will re-open their whole blood collections. In the meantime, we encourage you to find a mobile blood drive near you and schedule an appointment!
Q. Will Virginia Blood Services donation center days and hours of operation stay the same?
A. The former VBS donation centers will reopen in early 2019. When the donation centers re-open, they will have new days and hours of operation. The updated days and hours will be posted on RedCrossBlood.org.
Q. What is RapidPass®?
A. Start the donation process before leaving home by completing an online pre-donation and health history questionnaire from your mobile device or Blood Donor App on the day of your appointment. You can save up to 15 minutes at your donation!
Q. Does the Red Cross have an App?
A. Yes. Schedule donation appointments and with the award-winning Blood Donor App! Search for local blood drives and donation centers, schedule donation appointments, complete your RapidPass®, track your blood donations, and more!
