Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
PANAMA CITY, FL. — The community is invited to be the lifeline for patients in need by donating with the American Red Cross at the 34th annual Bill Cramer Chevrolet Cadillac Buick GMC Winter Blood Drive.
All blood types are critically needed Thursday, Dec. 19, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the dealership located at 2251 W. 23rd St., Panama City.
Those who come to give will receive a commemorative Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last, pizza and doughnuts in the refreshment area, and chance to win a free oil change, car wash or detail.
“Patients don’t get a break during the holidays from needing lifesaving transfusions,” said Ronnika A. McFall, external communications manager of the Red Cross Alabama-Mississippi Blood Services Region. “We appreciate Bill Cramer GM and our sponsors WJHG-TV and iHeart Radio Panama City, for giving the community this opportunity to roll up a sleeve and make a difference in the lives of others.”
Holiday activities and seasonal illnesses, like the flu, can pull people away from their regular blood donation schedules. This creates a greater need for donations this time of year, especially around the winter holidays.
Eligible donors with types O, A negative and B negative blood are urged to make a Power Red donation. Power Red donors give a concentrated dose of red blood cells during a single donation, allowing them to maximize their impact. During this type of donation, red blood cells are separated from other blood components, and the plasma and platelets are safely and comfortably returned to the donor.
How to donate blood
Simply download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org sponsor code billcramergm or 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.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.