Media Contact: Doyle Rader
(214) 770-4258 | Doyle.Rader@redcross.org

DALLAS, Feb. 25, 2025 — The American Red Cross North Texas Region is kicking off its annual March is Red Cross Month celebration to honor Texans who deliver support when help can’t wait during emergencies. Additionally, the 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 prediabetes, on all successful blood, platelet and plasma donations in March.

Red Cross Month is a national tradition that began in March 1943, when President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued the first proclamation—and each U.S. president has followed suit ever since.

“During Red Cross Month, we proudly recognize our volunteers who step up to represent the best of humanity to care for our neighbors in times of crisis,” said Linda Braddy, CEO of the American Red Cross North Texas Region. “With all our disasters across East Texas occurring more often with greater impact, the support of local heroes is critical to the health of communities. Please join them to help ensure no one faces an emergency alone by donating, volunteering or taking a class to learn lifesaving skills.”

Supporting community health has long been part of the Red Cross, which traces its roots to its founder, Clara Barton. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 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.

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 part of the Red Cross's longtime work to support community health, which also includes disaster relief efforts such as basic disaster health and mental health services.

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 healthcare provider if their A1C level is elevated.

Visit redcross.org/GivingDay to make a financial donation and be a part of our annual Giving Day, March 26, during Red Cross Month. A gift of any size helps provide emergency shelter, food, relief supplies, basic health care, emotional support and financial assistance for people affected by disasters of all sizes.

You can also 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, 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.

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.