Blood BankNon-Profit OrganizationSan Diego Blood Bank
Welcome to San Diego Blood Bank's Headquarters & Gateway Donor Center. San Diego Blood Bank (SDBB) is an independent, 501(c)(3) nonprofit also operating as Southern California Blood Bank. The Blood Bank serves hospitals in Southern California with more than 150,000 units of blood each year.
I’ve visited this location consistently since spring 2025 for therapeutic phlebotomy. While the clinical work itself has always been solid, the professionalism and disposition from certain staff members needs attention.
Each visit, I was met with a discernible level of coldness and even subtle annoyance that progressively stood out with each visit leading up to today. I’m consistently polite, punctual and cordial, so this never made sense to me. Nothing ever overt, but clear to anyone with emotional intelligence.
Even after several visits, the interpersonal side of the experience remained off. Today, I came as a walk-in, which their own automated phone message explicitly states is welcome. I’ve previously always had appointments, and made it clear that I understood if they were unable to accommodate me today. I was nothing less than respectful of all boundaries and appreciative at all points during my visit.
Despite the place being nearly empty, I was met throughout my visit with thinly veiled irritation and multiple condescending reminders about making an appointment even though I’ve always done so before. Some staff also spoke in another language over me during treatment, and regardless of intent, it comes off as unprofessional.
I wasn’t looking for special treatment today, and this review isn’t meant to disparage the entire location. However, select staff here operate with an air of smugness and a misplaced confidence that their subtle behavior will go unnoticed. Professionalism is more than inserting a needle correctly. It’s how you treat people. The work here is clinically competent, but the attitude from certain staff undermines the quality of care at this location.
SM
Steve Maugeri
Sep 22, 2025
5.0
Professional quality service here. every one is so on point. I've learned a lot since going to this place!
CA
Christopher Andrews
May 28, 2020
1.0
They’ve screwed up my blood donations twice, causing them to stop and make my donation useless. Then they carelessly kicked me out since they no longer needed me. Go anywhere else if you want to give blood.
CC
Carmen
Apr 3, 2019
3.0
I drove my mom here today as she doesnt drive and to donate blood for the first time. Got here happy but two ladies in the front desk ruined the moment. one of them is "Taylor" (nurse), such a rude lady and another asian pregnant lady. Apparently, nursing school doesnt teach customer service. Just made me not to donate blood as a result. Fortunately, there is another lady who is very nice "Melina" who made the whole process comfortable. Thank you for being very nice melina. Not going to tell details but beware of the taylor and asian. pregnant ladies.
Frequently Asked Questions About San Diego Blood Bank
What are the basic requirements to donate blood?
To donate blood, you must be at least 17 years old, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be in general good health.
Where can I donate blood?
San Diego Blood Bank has 10 Southern California Donor Centers and blood drives run daily across San Diego, Orange, and Los Angeles Counties.
What are the requirements to donate blood at San Diego Blood Bank?
To donate blood, you must be at least 17 years old, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, and be in general good health.
Where can I donate blood with San Diego Blood Bank?
San Diego Blood Bank has 10 Southern California Donor Centers and blood drives daily across San Diego, Orange, and Los Angeles Counties.
What are the operating hours of the San Diego Blood Bank Headquarters & Gateway Donor Center?
The center is open daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and is closed on major holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.
Is parking available at San Diego Blood Bank?
Yes, there is free onsite parking including street and lot parking available at San Diego Blood Bank.
Is the San Diego Blood Bank facility wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the San Diego Blood Bank has a wheelchair accessible entrance to accommodate all donors.
How can I book an appointment to donate blood at San Diego Blood Bank?
You can book an appointment online through their website at http://www.sandiegobloodbank.org/donate-blood.
What other medical services are located near San Diego Blood Bank?
Nearby medical facilities include Fresenius Kidney Care Gateway Dialysis Center - East and Family Health Centers of San Diego, which provide additional health care options.
Are there any parks near San Diego Blood Bank where visitors can relax?
Yes, Dennis V. Allen Park and Dennis V Allen Neighborhood Park are nearby places where visitors can enjoy outdoor activities before or after donating blood.
What other community services are located near San Diego Blood Bank?
GRID - San Diego, a community services nonprofit, is nearby and offers additional ways to get involved or seek support in the area.
How can I contact San Diego Blood Bank for donor services?
You can reach donor services via email at donorservices@sdbb.org or by phone at +1 619-400-8251.