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Boosting community health: Red Cross offers free

A1C testing for blood donors in March

People can also donate financially on Red Cross Giving Day, March 26,

to deliver relief and care in the face of intensifying disasters

JONESBORO, AR (February 25, 2025) - The American Red Cross of Southeast Missouri and Northeast Arkansas is helping to bridge access to health care for blood donors by providing free A1C testing, commonly used to screen for diabetes and prediabetes, on all successful blood donations in March.

One-third of people lack access to regular primary care in the U.S., where diabetes affects 1 in 10 people and nearly a quarter of those living with it have been undiagnosed, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The free A1C screening aims to help address this gap by empowering blood donors with valuable information to maintain their health and well-being. This new offering is among the longtime work of the Red Cross to support the health of communities, which also includes disaster relief efforts such as basic disaster health and mental health services among other assistance.

Visit RedCrossBlood.org, use the Red Cross Blood Donor App or call 1-800-RED CROSS to book a time to give in March and learn more about your health. Additionally, all who come to give blood March 1-31 will receive a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. See redcrossblood.org/March for details on both offers.  

You can also make a financial donation at redcross.org/GivingDay on March 26 to support people with disaster services such as emergency shelter, food, relief supplies, basic health care, emotional support and financial assistance. Both efforts are part of its Red Cross Month activities in March.

BRIDGING HEALTH CARE ACCESS THROUGH A1C SCREENING According to the CDC, some 90% of people living with diabetes in the U.S. have type 2, a largely preventable and often reversible insulin-resistant condition that can cause dangerously high blood sugar levels. Left untreated, type 2 diabetes can lead to serious health complications, such as kidney failure, stroke and heart issues.

"Type 2 diabetes develops over years and may not cause obvious symptoms until serious damage has been done," said Dr. Courtney Lawrence, medical director for the Red Cross. "By understanding our own health, we can create a foundation to help prevent chronic illness, improve the quality of day-to-day living and save lives. Blood donation can now be part of that journey."

The Red Cross will begin the month-long A1C screening for successful donations starting on March 1. Donors can expect to receive the results of their test within one to two weeks through the Red Cross Blood Donor App or online donor portal, and they are encouraged to consult their health care provider if their A1C level is elevated. A1C is the latest health insight that the Red Cross provides to blood donors, who can already access ongoing donation information such as pulse, blood pressure, body temperature and hemoglobin levels.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities March 1-15:

Baxter

Mountain Home

3/3/2025: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Lake Forest Senior Living at Mountain Home, 300 Good Samaritan Drive

3/13/2025: 1:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., Christian Church of Mountain Home, 1365 Eastside Centre Court

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Boone

Alpena

3/13/2025: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Alpena School District, 300 South Denver Street

Harrison

3/7/2025: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Methvin Sanitation, 340 West Industrial Park Road

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Marion

Yellville

3/6/2025: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Yellville-Summitt High School, 1124 Panther Avenue

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Sharp

Hardy

3/6/2025: 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Highland High School, 1 Rebel Circle

How to donate blood 

Simply download the Red Cross Blood Donor App or visit RedCrossBlood.org, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver's license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements. 

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App. 

About the American Red Cross: 

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.