During National Wellness Month, the American Red Cross encourages people to prioritize their personal health and well-being while helping to save lives with a blood or platelet donation. Donors of all blood types – especially those with type O positive or B negative blood – are asked to make an appointment to prevent a further drop in donor turnout.

Even a strong blood supply can experience a sudden drop – potentially impacting the availability of lifesaving blood and platelets that could help new mothers, burn and trauma patients and those facing cancer. Help safeguard patient care by booking a time to give blood or platelets.

In August, the Red Cross will provide free A1C screening – a test commonly used to screen for prediabetes and diabetes – for all donors who make a blood, platelet or plasma donation. Fasting is not required for the test, and donors will be able to view their confidential results one to two weeks after their donation in the Blood Donor App or their donor account at RedCrossBlood.org. Donors will receive one A1C test result in a 12-month period. A donation drive will take place on Aug. 28 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Beverly Hills BMW, located at 5151 Wilshire Blvd.

Schedule a time to give  by visiting redcrossblood.org, calling (800)RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App. Those who donate through Aug. 28 will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of choice. For details, visit redcrossblood.org/test.