Red Cross Calls for Blood Donors Across Central Wisconsin

Donation centers open in March and April with gift card incentives

Mar. 14, 2026 at 9:04am

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The American Red Cross is urging donors to make appointments to give blood or platelets at upcoming drives across Central Wisconsin. The organization is offering A1C testing and $15 Amazon gift cards to those who donate in March to help address a nationwide blood shortage.

Why it matters

Blood donations are crucial to maintaining a steady supply, especially as the spring season approaches. The Red Cross is taking steps to incentivize and encourage donations to ensure hospitals and medical centers have the resources they need.

The details

The Red Cross will be hosting blood drives at various locations in Central Wisconsin communities like Amherst, Mosinee, Plover, Rothschild, Stevens Point, Wausau, and Wisconsin Rapids throughout March and April. Donors will receive A1C testing on successful donations made in March, and those who give blood, platelets or plasma will also receive a $15 Amazon gift card.

  • The blood drives will take place from March 16 to April 10 across Central Wisconsin.
  • The $15 Amazon gift card incentive is available for donations made in March 2026.

The players

American Red Cross

A humanitarian organization that provides emergency assistance, disaster relief, and education inside the United States.

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What’s next

Donors can make an appointment to give blood or platelets by visiting redcrossblood.org, calling 800-RED CROSS, or using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

The takeaway

With a nationwide blood shortage, the Red Cross is taking proactive steps to encourage and incentivize donations across Central Wisconsin. By offering A1C testing and gift card rewards, the organization hopes to boost blood supply levels heading into the spring season.