Most of us think of the American Red Cross for one of two reasons: blood donations and disaster response. 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 — 19 counties, from Jefferson to Washington on the Ohio side and from Hancock all the way down and over to Jackson and Roane in West Virginia — 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 or plasma March 1-31 will also get a $10 Amazon gift card via email.

Local opportunities to give include noon to 5 p.m. this Friday at First Presbyterian Church, 110 S. Marietta St. in St. Clairsville; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday at St. Vincent’s Marist Centre, 2244 Marshall Ave., Wheeling; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 13 at Wheeling VW-Subaru, 3569 National Road, Triadelphia; 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. March 17 at Vance Memorial Presbyterian Church, 905 National Road, Wheeling; and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 18 at the Disabled American Veterans, 3134 Guernsey St., Bellaire.

In addition to giving blood, the organization also encourages donors to consider giving financially on Giving Day, March 26.