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 now to prevent a further drop in donor turnout, the Red Cross states in a news release.

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 successful blood, platelet or plasma donation. Fasting is not required for this 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 can receive one A1C test result in a 12-month period.

August also brings changes in routines, the Red Cross notes. Back-to-school plans, the start of fall sports and final summer vacations may be top of mind right now, but patients can’t wait. Making and keeping donation appointments can be the difference in a patient’s treatment journey.

Schedule a time to give now by going online to RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

Those who come in to give this month through Aug. 28 will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of choice. For details on both offers, go online to RedCrossBlood.org/Test.

Two blood drives will take place this month in Dickinson County, both at First Presbyterian Church, 395 Hamilton Ave. in Kingsford: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 21.

All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients, the Red Cross states. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years old in most states — 16 with parental consent where allowed by state law — and 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.

Another way to support 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, go online to redcross.org/volunteertoday.