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Most of us think of the American Red Cross for one of two reasons: blood donations and disaster response. But as the organization points out, its founder Clara Barton was a nursing pioneer who cared deeply about humans and their healthcare.
Here in Appalachia, one of the larger health care concerns is diabetes -- and access to affordable, quality health care. But in March, the Red Cross is "helping to bridge access to health care for blood donors by providing free A1C testing, commonly used to screen for diabetes and prediabetes, on all successful blood, platelet and plasma donations."
In the region covered by the American Red Cross of the Ohio River Valley -- encompassing 19 counties, from Jefferson to Washington County on the Ohio side and from Hancock all the way down and over to Jackson and Roane counties on the West Virginia side -- diabetes is a significant health concern. But it's not always easy for patients to find out whether they have it and begin fighting back.
"This new offering is among the longtime work of the Red Cross to support the health of communities, which also includes disaster relief efforts such as basic disaster health and mental health services among other assistance," the organization says.
At RedCrossBlood.org, through the Red Cross Blood Donor app or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS, those interested in donating and finding out more about their A1C can book an appointment. Of course, there is another incentive, as those who give blood, platelets of plasma March 1-31 will also get a $10 Amazon gift card via email.
Local opportunities to give in March include from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays, March 7, 14, 21 and 28 and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, March 24, at the Parkersburg Blood Donation Center, 3210 Dudley Ave.; from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, March 10, at The Basilica of Saint Mary, 506 Fourth St., Marietta; from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 12 at Grand Central Mall, Vienna; from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Thursday, March 13, at Belpre High School, 612 Third St., Belpre; from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Dyson Baudo Recreation Center, 215 Fifth St., Marietta; and from noon to 6 p.m. Monday, March 31, at South Parkersburg Baptist Church, 1655 Blizzard Drive.
The Red Cross continues its mission of "delivering care amid intensifying disasters," as well; and in addition to giving blood, the organization also encourages donors to consider giving financially on Giving Day, March 26.
If finding out more about your own health, getting a gift card, and having the opportunity to support a far-reaching non-profit are not enough reasons to connect with the Red Cross this month, here is the best: By doing so, you could save a life.