East County News Service
Feb. 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.
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