Severe winter weather and wildfires have forced thousands of blood donations to go uncollected. There is an emergency shortage of platelets, as well as types O negative and B negative blood. Donors are needed TODAY!

During the month of March, the American Red Cross will expand its health offerings to include free A1C testing for all donors who successfully give blood, platelets or plasma. The A1C test is used to screen for prediabetes and diabetes and measures your average blood sugar over the past three months by checking how much hemoglobin in red blood cells is bound to sugar. No fasting is needed, and you’ll be able to view your results within the Blood Donor App or in your Red Cross online account within one to two weeks.

Upcoming blood drives in Menomonie are:

Fri Feb 14:  Menomonie Leisure Services Center, 9am-3pm

Mon Feb 24:   Menomonie United Methodist Church, Noon – 6pm

Tues, Mar 4: UW-Stout, 10am – 4pm

To find upcoming blood donor drives in Menomonie, and/or to make an appointment click here.

You can also call 1-800-RED CROSS.

Source: American Red Cross