UTM has been hosting blood drives to help patients in West Tennessee for 13 years. This spring, Haley Hudson became their 10,000th blood donor.

Haley is 20 years old and a native of Gleason, Tenn. A nursing major, Haley plans to become a Nurse Anesthetist. “Becoming the 10,000th blood donor for UTM is a nice honor for me,” says Haley. “I feel like this makes me a great example for other students,” she adds. A blood donor since she was a senior in High School, Haley went on to explain that giving blood is a way she can fulfill the internal obligation she feels to help others.

“We are proud of Haley and her example,” said Steve Vantrease, Director of Boling University Center. “She has put her desire to help others into practice and the community has benefited from her service,” he added. Haley believes that most college students give blood to help others in the community and that they realize that unforeseen things can happen quickly to us all and that the need for blood might affect them or their family and friends.

“College blood drives are very important to us,” said Tammy Hurst, Community Services Representative for Lifeline Blood Services. “We must meet blood donation goals each week for our hospitals,” she added. Finding locations and groups that are willing to help recruit the blood donors is very challenging. “UTM has always been an active supporter of the Weakley County effort to supply blood for West Tennessee patients,” Hurst continued. “In addition to their constant support, they have been enthusiastic and willing to try new things (like the blood battle) to help generate interest in blood donations and genuinely concerned about the success of all blood drives,” she concluded.

Haley wanted to encourage other college students to overcome their reasons for not giving blood. “Anyone should try, if you are healthy enough, there is no reason not to,” Haley explained. “I started when I was 17 and hope to continue throughout my life.” “Giving blood is like smiling at a stranger. It is such an easy thing to do and you’ll have a lasting impact on someone’s life,” said Hudson.