Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center Offers Free A1c Tests for Blood Donors Through February 2025 to Help Detect Diabetes Risk
Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center (GCRBC) is offering a valuable opportunity for individuals to take charge of their health while giving back to the community this holiday season. Through February 28, 2025, all blood donors will receive a complimentary A1c test, which measures blood sugar levels over the past two to three months. This initiative aims to help identify early signs of diabetes and prediabetes, conditions that affect a significant portion of the population, with many individuals unaware of their risks.
According to the American Diabetes Association, one in three adults in the U.S. has prediabetes, a condition that can lead to type 2 diabetes and other serious health complications such as heart disease and kidney failure if left unmanaged. GCRBC's new program offers a simple, cost-free way for individuals to gain valuable health insights while helping to save lives through blood donation.
“The holiday season is a time for giving, and donating blood is one of the most impactful ways to give back to your community,” said Dr. Beth Hartwell, Chief Medical Officer at GCRBC. “By offering A1c screenings alongside blood donations, we’re providing an opportunity for individuals to take a proactive step in managing their health. This screening could potentially save lives—both by helping to identify undiagnosed diabetes and by supporting those in need of lifesaving blood products.”
The A1c test results will be made available through the donor’s digital account within two weeks of their donation. The results will indicate whether the donor’s blood sugar levels fall within a normal range, or if they have prediabetes or diabetes. For example, an A1c level below 5.7% is considered normal, while levels between 5.7% and 6.4% indicate prediabetes, and levels of 6.5% or higher indicate diabetes.
Diabetes is a leading cause of death and disability in the U.S., affecting millions of people. Early detection is key to managing the condition and preventing long-term complications, and the A1c test is a simple yet effective way to monitor blood sugar levels. Through this program, GCRBC is not only advancing its mission of providing critical blood donations to hospitals and clinics, but also contributing to the community’s overall health and wellness.
“We’re dedicated to the well-being of our donors and our community,” said Dr. Hartwell. “Promoting wellness through preventive measures, like A1c testing, helps foster a healthier community overall. By donating blood, individuals have the chance to make a meaningful difference, all while receiving important health information that could impact their long-term well-being.”
The A1c test is an essential tool for diagnosing diabetes and monitoring the effectiveness of diabetes treatment. According to the CDC, those with elevated A1c levels face a higher risk of complications, including vision loss, kidney failure, and nerve damage. With this program, blood donors have the unique opportunity to get tested and take the first step in managing their health—at no cost and with minimal time commitment.
To schedule a blood donation and receive a complimentary A1c test, visit giveblood.org/a1c. Together, GCRBC and the community can make a difference this holiday season by giving blood and taking proactive steps to improve public health.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
