Red Cross: Boost blood supply, receive free A1C testing on March 6

The American Red Cross urges donors to help the national blood supply recover from a severe blood shortage and empower their health by making an appointment to give blood or platelets in March. As a thank-you for helping save lives, successful donations will receive free A1C testing, commonly used to screen for prediabetes and diabetes.

New Red Cross data reveals one in five blood donors have elevated A1C levels — a sign that prediabetes and diabetes are prevalent among adults in generally good health. The findings are based on the first year of free A1C screening offered by the Red Cross, which provided results to more than 920,000 blood donors nationwide over three testing periods in 2025. Among donors with elevated A1C levels, 80% had readings indicating prediabetes – a condition that can often be reversed through lifestyle changes such as a balanced diet and regular exercise. 

“Too many people still face gaps in access to preventive care, and the Red Cross is proud to help close them by giving our 2.5 million blood and platelet donors easy access to essential health information, like their blood sugar levels,” said Dr. Courtney Lawrence, Red Cross medical director. “By giving blood and downloading our Blood Donor App, individuals can be informed and empowered to better manage and advocate for their health.”  

The A1C test does not require fasting and provides an average blood sugar level over the past three months. All who come to give blood, platelets or plasma through March 31, 2026, will also receive a $15 Amazon gift card by email. See RedCrossBlood.org/March for details.  

Visit RedCrossBlood.org, use the Red Cross Blood Donor App or call 1-800-RED CROSS to schedule your March donation appointment. 

Local blood donation opportunity on March 6

Forsyth: March 6, 2026: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Elks Lodge, 12951 US-160