CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) — The American Red Cross is urging blood donors to help the national blood supply recover from a severe blood shortage by making an appointment to give blood or platelets in March. Successful donations will receive free A1C testing, which is used to screen for prediabetes and diabetes, in March.
New data from the Red Cross revealed that 1 in 5 donors have elevated A1C levels, which are 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. The Red Cross says that prediabetes is 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. Those interested in scheduling a donation appointment should visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS. Those who give blood, platelets, or plasma will also receive a $15 Amazon gift card by email.