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 Dan Willliams, executive director of the Red Cross serving central and northern Minn. and Douglas County, Wis. “By offering free A1C screening, we’re giving individuals an opportunity to learn more about their health while making a lifesaving impact.”

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.  

Here’s a list of upcoming drives: 1) Monday, March 17th at UMD, 10am-4pm, 2) Tuesday, March 18th at Altec, 10am-4pm, 3) Tuesday, March 18th at Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Superior, 4) Thursday, March 20th at UMD, 9a-3pm, 5) Monday, March 24th at Hibbing Tourist Center, Senior Citizens, 11am-5pm 6) Tuesday, March 25th at Mt. Iron Community Center, 10am-4pm.