NEW JERSEY — In recognition of National Wellness Month, the American Red Cross is urging individuals to prioritize personal well-being while helping to save lives through blood or platelet donations.
Donors of all blood types are needed, with a special call for type O positive and B negative donors to schedule appointments to avoid further declines in supply.
As an added incentive, the Red Cross will provide free A1C screenings—a test commonly used to detect prediabetes and diabetes—for all successful blood, platelet, or plasma donors during the month of August. Donors do not need to fast beforehand and will receive their confidential results one to two weeks after their donation via the Blood Donor App or their online account at RedCrossBlood.org. Only one A1C result will be provided within a 12-month period.
With back-to-school season, fall sports, and late summer travel approaching, the Red Cross emphasizes the importance of maintaining donation appointments. “Patients can’t wait,” the organization said in a statement.
Donors who give between August 1–28, 2025, will also receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of choice. More information on both promotions can be found at RedCrossBlood.org/Test.
How to Donate Blood:
Appointments can be made through the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, at RedCrossBlood.org, by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), or by enabling the Blood Donor Skill on Alexa Echo devices.
To donate, individuals must bring a donor card or valid ID and meet eligibility requirements:
- At least 17 years old in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed)
- Weigh at least 110 pounds
- Be in generally good health
High school students and donors aged 18 and younger must meet certain height and weight criteria.
To save time, donors can use RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history on the day of their donation. Visit RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the app to get started.
