BOSTON— The American Red Cross is urging residents to donate blood in March as it works to rebuild the national blood supply — and is offering free A1C testing to successful donors after new data revealed that 1 in 5 donors have elevated blood sugar levels in the prediabetic or diabetic range.
The findings come from the first year of the Red Cross’s expanded A1C screening initiative. In 2025, more than 920,000 donors nationwide received A1C results through three testing periods. Among those with elevated readings, 80% had levels indicating prediabetes — a condition that can often be reversed through lifestyle changes such as improved diet and regular exercise.
The A1C test measures average blood sugar levels over the previous three months and does not require fasting.
“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, medical director for the Red Cross.
Linking Blood Donation and Preventive Health
As the nation’s largest blood supplier, the Red Cross says it is uniquely positioned to provide donors with additional health insights during the donation process. In addition to A1C results, donors can access information about their blood pressure, hemoglobin, pulse and body temperature through the Red Cross Blood Donor App and online donor portal.
Health officials note that millions of U.S. adults are living with undiagnosed prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes. Because these conditions often develop without obvious symptoms, routine screening is critical. Left untreated, elevated blood sugar levels can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney failure and other serious complications.
Early detection can also have financial implications. According to the American Diabetes Association, individuals with prediabetes may incur only modest additional medical costs annually, while those whose blood sugar levels progress to diabetes can face thousands of dollars more in yearly health care expenses.
March Incentives for Donors
To encourage donations during Red Cross Month, the organization will provide free A1C testing (one result per calendar year) for anyone who successfully donates blood, platelets or plasma between March 1 and March 31, 2026. Donors who come in during that period will also receive a $15 Amazon gift card by email.
Appointments can be scheduled through RedCrossBlood.org, the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS. A1C results are typically available within one to two weeks after donation.
The Red Cross emphasized that individuals with prediabetes or diabetes are generally eligible to donate blood, platelets or plasma, provided they are feeling well on the day of donation. In most cases, commonly prescribed diabetes medications — including insulin, GLP-1 medications and oral treatments — do not disqualify donors.
Addressing a Blood Shortage
The campaign comes as the Red Cross works to recover from a severe blood shortage. In Massachusetts, the organization and its partners are also responding to recent winter weather emergencies, including sheltering residents displaced by a blizzard and power outages earlier this week.
By pairing lifesaving blood donations with preventive health screening, the Red Cross says it hopes to strengthen both the nation’s blood supply and public awareness about the importance of knowing one’s A1C level.
Health experts say the message is clear: donating blood in March could help save lives — including potentially your own.
