For Nebraska’s Pat Dussault, giving blood has become as routine as morning coffee — a half-hour habit that, over time, has helped save countless lives.
Every eight weeks, the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln rolls up his sleeve, donates a pint and schedules his next appointment before returning to campus.
His steady routine has added up to 21 gallons of blood donated since he began giving decades ago.
“It’s a small thing I can do, and it’s not that hard to give up 30 minutes or an hour every eight weeks,” Dussault said.
His dedication began almost by chance. While Dussault was a graduate student in Pasadena, California, he and his wife noticed a blood bank near their grocery store and decided to stop in. He continued to donate off and on during his postdoctoral work at Duke University.
After moving to Lincoln in 1988 to join Nebraska’s chemistry department, Dussault continued to donate sporadically. The “aha” moment that led to becoming a regular donor was simply scheduling his next appointment before leaving the blood bank.
“It’s become a process that is second nature,” Dussault said. “What motivates me is knowing that donation, something very easy for me, can help meet the tremendous need for blood.”
His commitment also connects with the university’s participation in the We Give Blood Challenge, a Big Ten–wide competition sponsored by Abbott and the American Red Cross. The annual campaign encourages students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members to donate blood and log their contributions through Dec. 5.
Nebraska won the inaugural challenge last year, earning a $1 million award to support student health and well-being programs. The university is again competing this year, and Dussault is among the many campus donors doing their part.
He also recommends using the challenge’s text-based system, which allows participants to answer a few questions and upload a photo to confirm a donation.
“It was super easy,” Dussault said. “And it’s fun to know that your donation can also help the university and our students.”
Dussault also encourages others to try donating, even if they’re nervous about needles or the overall process.
“Just try it once,” Dussault said. “If it goes well, you might find it is something you can do regularly.
“It doesn’t take much, and together, we can make a big difference.”
