Submitted Photo A Vitalant staff member labels donated blood. Photo from Vitalant.

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.

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, in a news release. “Donating blood is a lifesaver for patients. Learning valuable health information can be empowering for donors.”

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.

In addition to scheduling an appointment at Vitalant’s Minot headquarters, several blood drives have been scheduled in the Minot area. They include:

– Aug. 29, Minot Family YMCA, 9-11 a.m.

– Aug. 29, The View, mobile unit, 1-3 p.m.

– Sept. 8, UND Center for Family Medicine, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

– Sept.16, Burlington City Hall, 4-6:15 p.m.

– Sept. 19, Minot State University Wellness Center gym, noon-2:30 p.m.

– Sept. 24, Velva High School lunch room, 1:30-6:30 p.m.

– Sept. 25, Granville school library, 1:30 -6 p.m.