Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
LAS VEGAS (Aug. 17, 2025) — The American Red Cross of Southern Nevada is reminding residents that there are only two weeks left to take advantage of free A1C testing when donating blood. This limited-time offer, available through Aug. 31, 2025, provides blood donors with an opportunity to support patients in need while gaining valuable insights into their own health.
This August, anyone who donates blood at Red Cross blood drives in Southern Nevada will receive a free A1C test — a critical measure of blood sugar levels that can provide early insights into diabetes risk. The results are a valuable tool for donors, particularly since one in 10 Americans lives with diabetes, and nearly 25% of cases go undiagnosed, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
“Blood donations help save lives, and this August, we’re proud to give something back to donors — a better understanding of their own health,” said Rachel Flanigan, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Southern Nevada Chapter. “With diabetes affecting so many Americans, free A1C testing is a vital tool for early detection and prevention. We hope Southern Nevadans will take this opportunity to help others while prioritizing their own well-being.”
Health Benefits for Donors
Blood donors will receive their A1C results within one to two weeks through the Red Cross Blood Donor App or the online donor portal. Donors with elevated results are encouraged to follow up with their healthcare providers.
In addition to A1C testing, all blood donors receive standard health screenings, including pulse, blood pressure, temperature and hemoglobin levels. These comprehensive checks provide donors with a snapshot of their overall health.
Urgent Need for Type O and B Negative Blood
While all blood types are needed, the Red Cross is urging those with type O and type B negative blood to donate. Type O positive is the most transfused blood type, compatible with 85% of patients, while type O negative is the universal blood type used in emergencies. Type B negative is rare, found in less than 2% of the population. Patients with B negative blood can only receive transfusions from other B negative or O negative donors, making donations especially important.
The Red Cross supplies 40% of the nation’s blood, supporting more than 2,500 hospitals and transfusion centers. To meet patient needs, the Red Cross must collect about 12,500 blood donations and 3,000 platelet donations every day. Nearly 20 hospitals in Southern Nevada rely on the Red Cross for their blood supply.
How to Donate
Donating blood is easy and convenient. Donors can schedule an appointment through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting redcross.org/GiveBlood or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
As a thank-you, all donors who give blood between Aug. 1-28, 2025, will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice. Additionally, free A1C testing will be performed on all successful donations made Aug. 1-31, 2025, (one test result per donor in a 12-month period). For more details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Test.
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.
