Local Blood DrivesJONESBORO, AR. (February 25, 2026) - The American Red Cross urges donors to help the national blood supply recover from a severe blood shortage and empower their health by making an appointment to give blood in March. As a thank-you for helping save lives, successful donations will receive free A1C testing, commonly used to screen for prediabetes and diabetes, in March (one result per calendar year).
New Red Cross data reveals 1 in 5 donors have elevated A1C levels - a sign that prediabetes and diabetes are prevalent among adults in generally good health. The findings are based on the first year of free A1C screening offered by the Red Cross, which provided results to more than 920,000 blood donors nationwide over three testing periods in 2025. Among donors with elevated A1C levels, 80% had readings indicating prediabetes - a condition that can often be reversed through lifestyle changes such as a balanced diet and regular exercise. The A1C test does not require fasting and provides an average blood sugar level over the past three months. Visit RedCrossBlood.org, use the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to schedule your March donation appointment. All who come to give blood, platelets, or plasma March 1-31, 2026 will also receive a $15 Amazon Gift Card by email. See RedCrossBlood.org/March for details. Upcoming blood donation opportunities through March 14, 2026: Clay County Corning
Craighead County Jonesboro
Greene County Paragould
Mississippi County Blytheville
Poinsett County Trumann
Randolph County Pocahontas
How to donate blood Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver's license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements. Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App. About the American Red Cross: The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit RedCross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross. |
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