OAKLAND, Calif. (KCBS RADIO) – A new American Red Cross facility has opened in Oakland's Rockridge neighborhood, helping save lives through blood and platelet donations.
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As part of the #KCBSCares campaign, KCBS Radio has partnered with the organization for a virtual blood drive. People who donate during February will receive a $10 Amazon gift card and will be entered to win a trip to Florida.
Blood donation can be intimidating for some, especially people who get squeamish around needles or blood. At the new Red Cross facility, located at 5450 College Ave. in Oakland, professionals are equipped to help donors through the process.
"For your first time, you'll feel a little pain, but it will be fine as long as you don't think about you're donating, just think about saving lives," Phlebotomist Jacob Nicdao told KCBS Radio. "They should be fine as long as they prepare themselves."
Nicdao said nervousness is a common occurrence in the Red Cross office. "We see it every day, but we always deal with them so we know what to do," he reassured. "For us, we don't get nervous because if we do then you get nervous too, so we need to stay calm."
Overall, Nicdao said his love for his work is most important when handling safe and successful blood donations.
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