The Superior Express -

The majority of blood donors are unpaid volunteers who donate blood for a community supply. Many donate for several reasons. Despite the many reasons people donate, there are not enough potential donors to keep up with the need. Donating is relatively safe, but some donors may have bruising where the needle is inserted or may feel faint.

Potential donors will be screened for things that might make their blood unsafe to use. This screening includes testing for diseases a blood transfusion can transmit. When donating blood, you must also answer questions about your medical history and take a short physical examination.

Several health conditions such as anemia, sickle cell disease, hemophilia or cancer may require a blood transfusion. For people in critical condition, blood transfusions can be lifesaving.

Sally Uhrmacher has been organizing the Nelson Red Cross Blood drives since July of 2009. In the beginning, she made phone calls to more than 100 donors to let them know about the upcoming blood drive and schedule their appointments. Now she sends emails which simplifies the process quite a bit.

On the day of the drive, John Shutte, City of Nelson utility superintendant, and Chris McClure, City of Nelson maintenance employee, unlock the City Auditorium, help set up the chairs and tables and also assist with unloading the equipment.

Volunteers from several of the area churches and organizations take turns providing lunch and snacks for the donors and Red Cross personnel. If you would like to donate, contact the American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767, or visit redcrossblood.org/give . At this point, in Nelson, appointments are not required but are encouraged.