Give blood or platelets: free A1C testing on successful donations until March 31

By Editor | March 9, 2026 |

ST. LOUIS, MO — This March, the American Red Cross urges donors to help donors to help the national blood supply recover following a severe shortage and empower their health by making an appointment to give blood or platelets. Donors of all blood types remain critical to keeping momentum up and the blood supply steady headed into spring.

Some parts of the nation are still clearing snow, but the threat of severe spring weather is already growing. Now is the time to book a blood or platelet donation appointment to help prevent any future disruption to patient care.

Help is needed right now ─ and a simple act of donating blood or platelets can be the lifesaving gift people are counting on. Book a time to give blood or platelets now by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

The Red Cross will perform A1C testing on successful blood, platelet and plasma donations made March 1-31, 2026 (one result in 2026). Those who come to give blood, platelets or plasma March 1-31, 2026, will receive a $15 Amazon Gift Card by email. Details on both offers can be found at RedCrossBlood.org/March.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities March 9-31:

Madison County

Alton

3/31/2026: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., The Old Bakery Beer Company, 400 Landmarks Blvd

Bethalto

3/31/2026: 1:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Bethalto Senior Center, 100 E Central

Edwardsville

3/20/2026: 12:30 – 5:30 p.m., Edwardsville Public Safety Building, 333 S Main Street

3/23/2026: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Keller Williams Marquee Edwardsville, 1254 University Drive, Suite 200

3/24/2026: 12:30 – 5:30 p.m., Eden Church, 903 N. Second Street

3/25/2026: 1:30 – 5:30 p.m., St. John’s United Methodist Church, 7372 Marine Road

3/27/2026: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., RP Lumber Center, 6289 Tiger Drive