Blood drive organizer Ellen Friedrich said they are willing to take any blood donor; especially those with type O blood. O blood type works for universal donation. It is often used in hospital for treating cancer and burn patients.

Friedrich said several recent national disasters this summer have caused a shortage in the American Red Cross’s blood supply. Recent tornadoes, hurricanes and flooding have hit the United States, causing a depletion of the blood supply. The blood supply is not necessarily being depleted through use, but rather loss of storage capabilities. Blood needs to be placed in cold storage. Natural disasters often result in power failure. The loss of power to cooling units can ruin a hospital supply of blood.

It is also difficult for areas hit by natural disasters to set up a blood drive during the recovery process. Planned blood drives for the area are forced to cancel.

Friedrich said New Ulm was part of the five-state region that was responsible for most Red Cross blood donation. The coastal states are less likely to donate blood. Midwest communities like New Ulm are often responsible for many of the nation’s donations.

Denis Berdan donates blood during the Red Cross blood drive at the New Ulm Civic Center Wednesday. Berdan said he tries to donate more often. The recent drive lined up with his schedule. “There is always a need,” Berdan said

“I think we care more,” she said.

Friedrich said the donation goal for Wednesday was 103 units of blood. There were 92 individuals who made appointments in advance.

Wendy Ristow was one of the 92 who made appointment to donated. Ristow said she tries to donate blood once a year. She admitted that sometimes during the donation process she gets a little woozy, but last time she had no issue. She credited the great volunteers at the Red Cross for helping her out.

Denis Berdan also donated blood Wednesday. He he wanted to donate more often and said this drive match up with his schedule.

“There is always a need,” he said.

Robert Brennan worked as a collection technician for the Red Cross during the drive. Typically he works in the St. Cloud district but agreed to come to New Ulm and assist for this drive.

He said some people are nervous about donating blood, but typically it is the younger donors with the most hesitation.

“It is at high school drives that I see the most butterflies,” Brennan said. “The older veteran donors are usually fine.”

Friedrich said she likes to tell people who are afraid to donate that it is “no different than get a blood draw at the doctors.”

Red Cross volunteer Jyneal McCrea said all the Red Cross workers are professional and are great about reassuring donors during the process.

McCrea also noted that when donating blood in New Ulm, there is the added benefit of getting a Schell’s Beer. The brewery always donates to the blood drive. Those who give blood and are over 21 can get free beer when they are done.

The blood drive will continue at the Civic Center from from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Friday.