During National Wellness Month, the American Red Cross encourages people to prioritize their personal health and well-being while helping to save lives with a blood donation. Donors of all blood types – especially those with type O positive or B negative blood – are asked to make an appointment now to prevent a further drop in donor turnout.
In August, the Red Cross will provide free A1C screening – a test commonly used to screen for prediabetes and diabetes – for all donors who make a successful blood, platelet or plasma donation. Fasting is not required for this test, and donors will be able to view their confidential results one to two weeks after their donation in the Blood Donor App or their donor account at RedCrossBlood.org. Donors will receive one A1C test result in a 12-month period.
August also brings changes in routines. Back-to-school plans, the start of fall sports, and final summer vacations may be top-of-mind right now, but patients can’t wait. Making and keeping donation appointments can be the difference in a patient’s treatment journey.
Help save lives and empower your health. Schedule a time to give now by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS, or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App. Those who come to give through Aug. 28 will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of choice. For details on both offers, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Test.
Upcoming donation opportunities
Carmel
- Aug. 30 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Venture Christian Church, 14501 Hazel Dell Pkwy.
Fishers
- Aug. 21 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Hub & Spoke, 8100 E. 106th St.
- Aug. 21 from 1 to 6 p.m.: Billericay Park Multi-Purpose Community Building, 12690 Promise Road
- Aug. 21 from 1 to 6 p.m.: IU Health Saxony Hospital, 13100 E. 136th St.
- Aug. 26 from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Sun King Brewing, 9713 District N. Drive, Suite 1220