March is Red Cross Month, and to celebrate the eastern North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota American Red Cross is offering free A1C testing for blood donors in March. Access to health screenings like A1C testing helps individuals take steps toward a healthier future. “We want to empower people with valuable health insights while ensuring a strong blood supply for those in need,” said Kimberly Vosseteig, executive director of the Red Cross in eastern North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota. “By offering free A1C screening, we’re giving individuals an opportunity to learn more about their health while making a lifesaving impact.”
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). Left untreated, it can lead to serious health complications such as kidney failure, stroke, and heart disease.
The free A1C screening aims to help address this gap by empowering blood donors with valuable information to maintain their health and well-being. “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.”
This new offering is among the longtime work of the Red Cross to support the health of communities 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.
In addition to A1C screening, all who come to give blood in March will receive a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. See RedCrossBlood.org/March for details on both offers. 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.
Upcoming community blood drives:
3/4/2025: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., American Legion Post 21, 303 30th St. N, Moorhead
3/5/2025: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., YMCA of the Northern Sky, 400 1st Ave. S, Fargo
3/6/2025: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Drekker Brewing Co., 1666 1st Ave. N, Fargo
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.
