HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The American Red Cross is encouraging residents to donate blood during the upcoming Hutchinson Community Blood Drive, where successful donors will also have an opportunity to receive free A1C testing during Diabetes Awareness Month.
The three-day blood drive will take place Nov. 16-18 at First Presbyterian Church, 201 E. Sherman St., in Hutchinson.
Donation hours are scheduled for noon to 6:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16; 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17; and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18.
The Hutchinson Community Blood Drive is one of the largest American Red Cross blood drives in Kansas, with approximately 200 donors expected during the three-day event.
As part of Diabetes Awareness Month, the Red Cross is offering free hemoglobin A1C testing to individuals who successfully donate blood, platelets or plasma throughout November.
The A1C test measures a person's average blood sugar levels over approximately three months and is commonly used to screen for prediabetes and diabetes. Fasting is not required.
According to the Red Cross, approximately one in five blood donors who have received A1C testing through the organization have shown elevated levels, potentially indicating prediabetes or diabetes.
Since launching the testing program in 2025, the Red Cross has provided A1C results to more than 1.3 million donors and notified more than 250,000 individuals of elevated levels.
Health officials say early detection is important because prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes can develop without noticeable symptoms. Left untreated, the conditions can increase the risk of serious health complications, including heart disease and stroke.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says healthy lifestyle changes, including improved nutrition, regular physical activity and weight management, can significantly reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
Donors who successfully give blood during November will receive one free A1C test result per calendar year. Results will be available within one to two weeks through the Red Cross Blood Donor App or the donor's online account.
The Red Cross says the testing is designed to provide donors with additional health information they can share with their health care providers.
Appointments for the Hutchinson Community Blood Drive can be scheduled at RedCrossBlood.org, through the Red Cross Blood Donor App or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS and using sponsor code HUTCHINSON.
Walk-in availability was not specified, and appointments are encouraged.