Northeast Arkansas Blood Drives

JONESBORO, AR. (Feb. 25, 2025) - The American Red Cross of Southeast Missouri and Northeast Arkansas 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 donations in March.

One-third of people lack access to regular primary care in the U.S., where diabetes affects 1 in 10 people and nearly a quarter of those living with it have been undiagnosed, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The free A1C screening aims to help address this gap by empowering blood donors with valuable information to maintain their helath and well-being. 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.

Visit RedCrossBlood.org, use the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to book a time to give in March and learn more about your health. Additionally, all who come to give blood March 1-31 will receive a $10 Amazon Gift Card by email. See redcrossblood.org/March for details on both offers.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities through March 15, 2025:

Clay County
Corning

2/27/2025: 9am-2pm, Corning High School, 500 Bobcat Lane

Craighead County

Jonesboro

2/26/2025: 10:30am-3:30pm, American Red Cross Jonesboro, 2416 South Madison Street
2/26/2025: 11am-3pm, LTC Frederick C. Turner, Jr. Military Science Building, 1921 Aggie Road
2/27/2025: 8am-5pm, St Bernards Auditorium, 505 East Washington
3/10/2025: 12:30pm-5:30pm, American Red Cross Jonesboro, 2416 South Madison Street
3/11/2025: 11am-3pm, Families, Inc., 1815 Pleasant Grove Road

Greene County
Paragould

3/7/2025: 8am-2pm, Paragould High School, 1702 W Court St

Lawrence County
Walnut Ridge

3/14/2025: 10am-3pm, Williams Baptist University, 56 McClellan Dr

Mississippi County
Blytheville

2/25/2025: 1pm-5pm, Ruddle Road Church of God, 1400 Ruddle Road
2/28/2025: 2pm-6pm, Pilgrim Rest M.B. Church, 809 East Main
3/14/2025: 10am-2pm, Blytheville High School, 600 North 10th Street

Randolph County
Pocahontas

3/14/2025: 11am-3pm, Randolph County Library, 111 W Everett St

How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver's license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

Amplify your impact - volunteerAnother way to support the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross is to become a volunteer blood donor ambassador at Red Cross blood drives. Blood donor ambassadors help greet, check in, and thank blood donors to ensure they have a positive donation experience.Volunteers can also serve as transportation specialists, playing a vital role in ensuring lifesaving blood products are delivered to nearby hospitals. For more information and to apply for either position, visit redcross.org/volunteertoday.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit RedCross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.