Red Cross to give free diabetes testing to blood donors in March

The American Red Cross of Southeast Missouri and Northeast Arkansas is offering free A1C testing to blood donors throughout March.

The Red Cross will provide the test, commonly used to screen for diabetes and prediabetes, on all successful blood donations. Additionally, donors who give blood in March will receive a $10 Amazon gift card by email.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, diabetes affects 1 in 10 people in the U.S., and nearly a quarter of those living with it are undiagnosed. The free screening aims to help bridge that gap by giving donors valuable health information. This initiative is part of the Red Cross’ efforts to support community health alongside its disaster relief work.

Dr. Coutrney Lawrence, medical director for the Red Cross, says “Type 2 diabetes develops over many years and may not cause obvious symptoms until serious damage has been done. 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.”

Upcoming donation opportunities in Mountain Home include March 3 at Lake Forest Senior Living and March 13 at Christian Church of Mountain Home, March 6 at Yellville-Summit High School, March 7 at Methvin Sanitation in Harrison, March 13 at Alpena School District and March 6 at Highland High School in Hardy.

March 26 is Red Cross Giving Day which aims to support with disaster services such as emergency shelter, food, relief supplies, basic health care, emotional support and financial assistance. Financial donations can be made on the day at redcross.org/givingday.

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