3 Reasons to Give Blood at WHSN’s Red Cross Blood Drive
Published on: September 30, 2025

The semiannual American Red Cross Blood Drive sponsored by Husson University’s radio station WHSN is coming on Wednesday, Oct. 1. It will be held from 10:30am to 4pm in the Furman Student Center located inside Peabody Hall.
Here are three reasons you should consider donating:
It Supports the Community
Whether you’re a donor or looking to volunteer at the event, supporting the blood drive is a great way to show you care. WHSN hosts two blood drives each year, once per semester, and a number of students attend each one throughout their time at Husson.
“The driving force behind these blood drives is that we want to expose students to the opportunities where they can give back to the community,” said Mark Nason, WHSN’s station manager and organizer of the event. “By scheduling a blood drive every fall semester and every spring semester, we’re hoping to develop lifelong donors.”
For Husson students who want to support the drive but can’t donate blood themselves, there are plenty of volunteering opportunities available as well. Volunteers are needed at the registry desk and the canteen to help things run efficiently.
“I’m very glad that I’m able to, instead of giving blood, volunteer my time and be like ‘Hey! I’m here to help this all go smoother,’ and provide people with as much help as I can when it comes to providing blood,” said Adam Cunha, a fourth-year Live Sound student and recurring volunteer at the drive
It Has Life-Changing Medical Benefits for Recipients
Your donation has the capability to reach many people in need of blood units for surgeries, transfusions, and cancer treatments. According to the American Red Cross, about 29,000 units of red blood cells are needed every day, but only about 3% of eligible Americans donate annually.
“Blood drives are one of those things where there’s a constant need,” said Cunha. “There’s never enough blood in circulation for a plethora of people.”
Just one donation can be used to help multiple patients for several different needs. Those with Sickle Cell Disease, suffering traumatic injuries, and going through certain forms of chemotherapy are in extra need, as they may need blood transfusions as regularly as every day.
“The benefits for the people who receive those donations are immeasurable,” said Nason. “You’re paying into a community system of ‘I don’t need this today, but somebody might need it tomorrow.’ Maybe that somebody is a loved one, a friend, a family member, or myself. If I’m ever in that position, I hope that there would be somebody donating to help me. Maybe someday you’ll need it, and maybe you won’t, but it is rewarding.”
There’s Free Food!
Of course, food and drinks will also be provided at the drive to those who donate. After your donation, there’s plenty of space to enjoy a snack and be social with classmates and fellow donors.
“If the emotional reward doesn’t get you, then the cookies and juice will,” said Nason. “Who doesn’t love free cookies and juice?”
You can follow this link to schedule a donation at the WHSN Red Cross Blood Drive. It takes place on Wednesday, October 1st, from 10:30am to 4pm in the Furman Student Center.
— Rin Gately