Boosting community health: Red Cross offers free A1C testing for blood donors in March

The Eastern New York Region of 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 prediabetes, on all successful blood, platelet and plasma donations in March.

One-third of the population lacks access to regular primary care in the U.S., where diabetes affects 1 in 10 people; nearly a quarter of those living with it are 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. 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 and other assistance.

To book a time to give in March readers may visit RedCrossBlood.org, use the Red Cross Blood Donor App or call 1-800-RED CROSS. All who come to give blood, platelets or plasma March 1-31 will receive a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card by e-mail. See redcrossblood.org/March for details.

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. If their A1C level is elevated, donors are encouraged to consult their health care provider. 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.