IOWA CITY, Iowa — A Coralville man is celebrating more than 350 blood donations, beginning 50 years ago when blood donations saved his brother’s life. Now he’s hoping to encourage others to donate during alarming blood shortage.

50 years ago, Ray Haass began his donation journey after blood donations helped save his brother’s life.

“In August 1974 my four-year-old brother became an amputee,” says Haass. “After he received two units of blood a nurse asked whether any family members would consider donating to replenish the hospital’s blood supply. I said yes and have donated 357 times since then.” 

Haass celebrated 50 years at the DeGowin Blood Center on December 16th. His donations have earned him honors at both the local and state level.

Haass hopes his donation will encourage others to donate and contribute to saving Iowa lives. His latest donation is especially appreciated due to the recently low amount of donations.

“It’s typical for the need for blood to increase during the holidays. However, throughout this year, we’ve seen a trend of less people donating,” says Kerry DuBay, MBA, a donor center supervisor with DeGowin.

The decreasing is alarming as the DeGowin Blood Center provides more then 27,000 blood products to UI Health Care patients.

“It’s really important that, as a community, we continue to keep our blood supply stable. All blood donations given with DeGowin go to patients within UI Health Care,” said DuBay.

Each pint of blood donated benefits two patients. One pint is separated into two products, red blood cells and plasma, saving two lives. Centers are looking for both whole blood and platelet donations. They are particularly looking for type O blood, known as the universal donor.

Blood is needed in every area of the hospital including trauma patients, cancer patients, transplant operations, people with blood disorders, and so many others.

According to Iowa Health Care one in seven people who enter the hospital need blood and every two seconds someone in America needs blood.

Red blood cells can only be stored for 42 days and platelets must be used within seven days.

Iowa Health Care also says that less then 10% of people who are eligible to donate give blood each year.

To learn more about blood donation and becoming a doner visit the Iowa Health Care website or the LifeServe Blood Center website.