Red Cross to provide free A1C testing for blood donors in March as part of community health efforts

People can also donate financially on Red Cross Giving Day, March 26,
to deliver relief and care in the face of intensifying disasters

WASHINGTON, Feb. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Red Cross is helping to bridge access to health care for blood donors by providing free A1C testing, commonly used to screen for diabetes and pre-diabetes, on all successful blood, platelet and plasma 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.

"Advancing community health is a natural extension of the Red Cross mission to alleviate human suffering," said Dr. Pampee Young, chief medical officer for the American Red Cross. "Through our vast network of blood donors, volunteers, employees and supporters — who power our lifesaving blood collection and emergency response efforts — we have a unique ability to raise awareness about the devastating impacts of chronic illness and disease, while advancing and supporting the health of our communities."

Visit redcross.org today to schedule your blood donation appointment in March and learn more about your health while helping to save lives. You can also make a financial donation on Red Cross Giving Day, 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.

Supporting the health of communities has long been part of the American Red Cross and traces its roots to its founder, Clara Barton. A lifelong humanitarian and pioneer in the nursing field, Barton first led the organization to deliver relief and care after disasters more than 140 years ago. Learn more about efforts like this.

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.

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, platelet and plasma donors, who can already access ongoing donation information such as pulse, blood pressure, body temperature and hemoglobin levels.

Additionally, all who come to give blood, platelets or plasma March 1-31 will receive a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. See RedCrossBlood.org/March for details on both offers.

DELIVERING CARE AMID INTENSIFYING DISASTERS
As part of disaster relief efforts, disaster health and mental health services are as important as ever in the face of intensifying extreme weather across the country. The Red Cross is responding to nearly twice as many major disasters than it did a decade ago — on top of everyday crises like home fires and storms across the country. After disasters of all sizes, the Red Cross also provides emergency lodging, food and financial assistance.

Red Cross health and mental health support may include replacing lost prescription medications and medical equipment, helping people in its shelters cope with chronic illnesses aggravated by the disaster, and providing emotional support and referrals to community health and mental health professionals for additional care.

So far this year, the Red Cross has helped people affected by large disasters such as the record-breaking wildfires in California and the devastating floods in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic. This came on the heels of 2024 having the second-highest number of billion-dollar disasters in a single year, due to major events like hurricanes, floods and tornadoes, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

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.

SOURCE American Red Cross