Boosting Community Health: Red Cross Offers Free A1C Testing for Blood Donors, Strengthens Community Preparedness

The American Red Cross Minnesota and Dakotas Region is helping to strengthen both personal and community health by offering free A1C testing for blood donors in March and equipping individuals and families with resources to prepare for emergencies.

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 (CDC). 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 among the longtime work of the Red Cross to support the health of communities, which also includes disaster preparedness and relief efforts.

“We want to empower people with valuable health insights while ensuring a strong blood supply for those in need,” said Melanie Tschida, executive director, American Red Cross serving Southern Minnesota. “By offering free A1C screening, we’re giving individuals an opportunity to learn more about their health while making a lifesaving impact.”

Click here for a listing of upcoming blood drives or 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.

Strengthening Community Health and Preparedness Health and preparedness go hand in hand. Access to health screenings like A1C testing helps individuals take steps toward a healthier future, while emergency preparedness helps protect communities by reducing risk and improving recovery efforts.

“When families and neighbors have the tools and knowledge to respond in an emergency, they can recover more quickly and support one another,” added Tschida “We see this every day—when people are prepared, they’re in a better position to help themselves and those around them.”

Take Action to Strengthen Your Community

• Support Disaster Relief: Make a financial gift on Red Cross Giving Day, March 26, at redcross.org/GivingDay. Donations provide emergency shelter, food, relief supplies, emotional support, and financial assistance to people affected by disasters.
• Volunteer: Help support Red Cross disaster relief and preparedness efforts. No experience necessary—training is provided. Sign up at RedCross.org/GiveTime

• Learn Lifesaving Skills: Take a First Aid/CPR/AED class to help save someone’s life in an emergency. Register at redcross.org/takeaclass.
• Prepare and Plan: Get the latest safety tips for specific disasters, sign up for emergency alerts and create a family emergency plan using the free Red Cross Emergency App redcross.org/apps.

Bridging Health Care Access with Free A1C Testing According to the CDC, nearly 90% of people living with diabetes in the U.S. have Type 2, a largely preventable and often reversible condition. Left untreated, it can lead to serious health complications such as kidney failure, stroke, and heart disease.

“Type 2 diabetes develops over years and may not cause obvious symptoms until serious damage has been done,” said Dr. Courtney Lawrence, medical director for the Red Cross. “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. Blood donation can now be part of that journey.”

A1C screening is the latest addition to the Red Cross’s ongoing donor health insights, which already include pulse, blood pressure, body temperature, and hemoglobin levels. Donors can expect to receive their test results within one to two weeks through the Red Cross Blood Donor App or RedCrossBlood.org. Donors are encouraged to consult their health care provider if their A1C level is elevated.

Delivering Care Amid More Frequent Disasters As disasters become more frequent and severe, the Red Cross is responding to nearly twice as many major disasters than a decade ago—on top of everyday crises like home fires.

“When disasters strike, our health and mental health teams step in to help people replace lost prescription medications, medical equipment, and connect individuals with ongoing care,” said Tschida. “We are committed to supporting people in crisis and ensuring they have what they need to recover.”

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.