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East County News ServiceFeb. 26, 2026 (San Diego County) -- The American Red Cross is turning a routine blood donation into a lifesaving health diagnostic in March.
Amid a severe national blood shortage which saw supply levels plummet by 35% in early 2026 due to winter blizzards and a heavy flu season the organization is offering a dual incentive: a $15 Amazon Gift Card and a free A1C test for all successful donations between March 1 and March 31.
The move comes as new data reveals a startling trend: 1 in 5 blood donors -- individuals who are generally considered healthy enough to give -- are walking around with elevated A1C levels.
The Red Cross’s latest findings from more than 920,000 donors nationwide show that the silent threat of high blood sugar is more prevalent than most realize.
Of those donors flagged with elevated levels, 80% fell into the prediabetic range. The good news is that prediabetes is often reversible through lifestyle changes. The bad news is that most people don't know they have it until it’s too late.
While the Red Cross is making headlines this month, the San Diego Blood Bank has previously led the charge, offering free A1C testing to local donors as early as November 2025.
By integrating A1C testing into the donation process, suppliers are bridging the gap for the millions of Americans who lack regular access to preventative screenings.
“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, Red Cross medical director.
Knowing your numbers today can protect your tomorrows
According to the American Diabetes Association, 40.1 million Americans are currently living with diabetes and there are 115.2 million Americans with prediabetes, or nearly 2 in 5 adults.
The group also reports that there is $640 billion in total U.S. healthcare spending accounted for by diabetes in the most recent fiscal reports.
The American Red Cross said that those interested in donating might also want to know that those who donate with them and want to get tested do not need to fast. Unlike traditional glucose tests, the A1C measures average blood sugar over the last three months. The group also notes that if you are taking GLP-1 medications like Ozempic for weight loss or insulin resistance, you are still eligible to donate as long as you are feeling well.
To donate to the American Red Cross, visit RedCrossBlood.org and for the San Diego Blood Bank, visit SanDiegoBloodBank.org
By integrating A1C testing into the donation process, suppliers are bridging the gap for the millions of Americans who lack regular access to preventative screenings.
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