DETROIT (Feb. 25, 2025) – The American Red Cross is helping to bridge access to health care for blood donors by providing free A1C testing for all successful blood, platelet and plasma donations in March.

The A1C test is commonly used to screen for diabetes and prediabetes. While no fasting is required for the test, blood donors should eat a nutritious meal ahead of their appointment.

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. The free A1C screening aims to help address this gap by empowering blood donors with valuable information to maintain their health and well-being.

“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,” said Barry Siegfried, M.D., medical director of the Red Cross Michigan Region. “Blood donation can now be part of that journey.”

A1C is the latest health measure that the Red Cross provides to blood donors. As part of the donation process, donors receive a mini physical exam to check their pulse, blood pressure, body temperature and hemoglobin levels.

The A1C testing for successful donations runs March 1-31. Other key things to know:  

• A donor can expect to receive their test result within one to two weeks through the Red Cross Blood Donor App or their donor account at RedCrossBlood.org.    
• A1C testing will be offered at Red Cross mobile blood drives and donation centers.     
• A donor who receives an elevated A1C test result is encouraged to consult with their medical provider.       
• To book a donation appointment, visit  RedCrossBlood.org, use Red Cross Blood Donor App or call 1-800-RED CROSS. All presenting donors will receive a $10 Amazon gift card by email.

The A1C testing is part of 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. It also comes as the Red Cross celebrates March as Red Cross Month to honor the humanitarian spirit of ordinary individuals who provide help and hope to those in need. These community heroes:       

• Donate and collect lifesaving blood for those in need. 
• Respond to home fires, climate disasters and international crises.       
• Provide global support to help military members, veterans, and their families.       
• Stand ready to use CPR, first aid and other lifesaving skills learned at the Red Cross during an emergency.

As part of Red Cross 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 across the country – on top of everyday crises like home fires. 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.

In addition to giving blood, here’s how to support the Red Cross during Red Cross Month:       

• Make a financial gift. Donations made on March 26 at redcross.org/GivingDay will support people with disaster services such as emergency shelter, food, relief supplies, basic health care, emotional support and financial assistance.       
• Volunteer. These positions are available, among others: blood ambassador, blood transportation specialist, and disaster response and assistance. Visit redcross.org/VolunteerToday.       
• Take a lifesaving skills class. Classes include CPR, first aid and babysitting. Sign up at redcross.org/TakeAClass.

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MEDIA CONTACT: David Olejarz / david.olejarz@redcross.org / 313-303-0606

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.