(MURRAY, Ky.) – As National Wellness Month kicks off, the American Red Cross is combining health awareness with lifesaving blood donation efforts, offering special incentives to encourage donors throughout August.
The organization is providing free A1C diabetes screening tests to all successful blood, platelet, and plasma donors this month. The screening, which doesn’t require fasting, tests for prediabetes and diabetes. Donors can access their confidential results within one to two weeks through the Blood Donor App or their online donor account.
“During National Wellness Month, we’re encouraging people to prioritize their personal health and well-being while helping to save lives,” said Red Cross officials in announcing the August campaign.
The Red Cross is particularly seeking donors with type O positive and B negative blood types to prevent further drops in donor participation. To sweeten the deal, anyone who donates between August 1-28 will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice.
Local Donation Opportunities
Western Kentucky residents have numerous opportunities to donate, with multiple blood drives scheduled throughout the region from August 16-31:
Murray area drives include:
- Murray First United Methodist Church (503 Maple St.) on August 17, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
- Murray State University Curris Center (1400 Chestnut St.) on August 26-27, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days
- Murray-Calloway Senior Citizens Center (607 Poplar St.) on August 29, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Regional locations include:
- Jackson Purchase Medical Center in Mayfield (August 19)
- Calvert City Church of Christ (August 28)
- Multiple dates at the Paducah Blood Donation Center on Falconcrest Drive
Timing Critical as Routines Change
Red Cross officials note that August brings significant schedule changes as families prepare for back-to-school activities, fall sports, and final summer vacations. However, they emphasize that patients requiring blood transfusions can’t wait for convenient timing.
“Making and keeping donation appointments can be the difference in a patient’s treatment journey,” the organization stated.
How to Donate
Potential donors can schedule appointments through the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS, or using the Blood Donor Skill on Alexa devices.
Donors must be at least 17 years old (16 with parental consent where allowed), weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in generally good health. A blood donor card, driver’s license, or two other forms of identification are required.
To streamline the process, donors can use RapidPass to complete pre-donation paperwork online before arriving at their appointment.
Volunteer Opportunities
The Red Cross is also seeking volunteers to serve as blood donor ambassadors, helping greet and check in donors, or as transportation specialists to deliver blood products to hospitals. Information about volunteer opportunities is available at redcross.org/volunteertoday.
For a complete list of donation locations, times, and more details about the A1C testing offer, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Test.