American Red Cross, well known for its disaster relief efforts, is the largest supplier of blood to hospitals in the U.S. This location is a regional donation center for Northeast Georgia. Donors can give blood, platelets and plasma. Upon entering the center, donors are greeted and signed in by a volunteer receptionist. While giving blood, donors sit in a comfortable chair and have professional and kind nurses assist them. Afterwards, donors can enjoy juice and cookies or redeem their coupon to Chick-fil-A, just across the street. Coupons are also issued for Fox's Pizza Den and Dos Palmas, a Mexican restaurant next door to the donor center.
According to program coordinator Linda Rounds, the donation center is a great place to meet new friends, and Rounds says donors are typically educated and caring people. The center is open every day of the year except Christmas and Thanksgiving.
A mobile blood donation unit travels around the region to reach people who want to donate blood but do not have the time or ability to drive to Athens.