PANAMA CITY -- A 12-hour blood drive at a local car dealership Thursday surpassed the goal for participants organizers set out to achieve, an official with the American Red Cross said.
The 27th annual blood drive at Bill Cramer Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick, GMC saw 206 people sign up to give blood, “which is awesome, because our goal was 204,” said Cynthia Bridges, donor recruitment representative for the American Red Cross.
It was too early to know how many of those 206 people were actually able to give blood — donations can be deferred for a host of reasons, Bridges said.
“It went really smooth, to have that many people, and we really appreciate it,” Bridges said.
Those who missed the opportunity to give blood will have another chance today between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. at Panama Glass on U.S. 98. Bridges hoped people of all blood types would donate, adding that each donor can potentially save three lives.