This September, nonprofit Vitalant is, for the first time, offering blood donors an extra check on their health while they help save and improve the lives of hospital patients. All who give blood Sept. 1-30 will receive a free hemoglobin A1C test*, providing donors with key health information.
Diabetes Can be Detected Early
More than 1 in 3 adults have prediabetes, which, if found early, can be reversed with lifestyle changes before developing into diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Unmanaged, diabetes can cause serious complications, including blindness, kidney failure, heart disease, stroke, and even death.
“A hemoglobin A1C test, a two-to-three-month look at one’s blood sugar levels, can give those who may be at risk of developing diabetes a chance at early intervention,” said Dr. Ralph Vassallo, Vitalant chief medical and scientific officer. “Donating blood is a lifesaver for patients. Learning valuable health information can be empowering for donors.”
Blood Donor Uses Test to Monitor Health Carol Brugman was surprised to learn she was prediabetic after getting back bloodwork from a routine doctor’s visit. Working with her doctor, she made changes in diet and exercise, and within six months, her A1C level dropped to a healthy range. A longtime blood donor, Brugman is excited to make her next
donation with Vitalant in September. She encourages others to also take advantage of the free A1C test while helping save lives.
“Every time I donate, the first thing I do is log into my donor account and check my wellness results,” Brugman said. “It’s a great spot check on my blood pressure, my cholesterol, and now A1C. I’ll be able to see how I’ve been doing and whether I need to course correct.”
How to Give Blood, Check Results
Blood donors will be able to check their A1C test result in their confidential, online account, along with cholesterol and other wellness information, within seven days of their donation. Donors are encouraged to discuss their results with their healthcare provider. Diabetes does not disqualify blood donors from giving if their disease is well-managed and they meet all other eligibility requirements.
Donors of all blood types, especially type O, and platelet donors are constantly needed to support an always-ready supply. Type O blood helps the most donors. Platelets are most often used to help cancer patients and are critical in stopping bleeding.
View eligibility requirements and make an appointment at vitalant.org, download and use the Vitalant app or call 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825). Eligible donors can give at one of six Vitalant donation centers in the San Francisco Bay Area or at any community blood drive.
Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. It is essential for surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illnesses, and traumatic injuries. Whether a patient receives whole blood, red cells, platelets, or plasma, this lifesaving care starts with one person making a generous donation.
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Vitalant (Vye-TAL-ent) is one of the nation’s largest nonprofit blood and biotherapies healthcare organizations, providing hospitals and patients across the U.S. a safe blood supply, specialized laboratory services, transfusion medicine expertise, and world-renowned research. Individuals generously donating blood, volunteering, and giving financially are essential to our lifesaving mission.
