After almost 55 years of donating blood, Dave Patterson is working on his 19th gallon.

When Patterson was 18, he was in the military and tried giving blood, but was unsuccessful.

When he returned home he had no more difficulty and became a regular 56-day donor.

Patterson is so consistent that he hasn’t missed a donation once.

He was even able to accomplish seven donations in 2011.

With donations only eligible every 56 days, he has managed seven in a year when most people donate six times in a year.

Patterson, 74, was born in Bakersfield at Kern General Hospital, now known as Kern Medical Center.

After serving out his military career Patterson returned to Bakersfield and started a family.

His wife is a big supporter of his 56-day ritual.

She gives blood along with their son who is a firefighter.

Even though they may not be as consistent, they do it when they can.

Patterson jokes that he would never pressure someone to give blood, only urge that it’s the right thing to do.

He has spent the past 55 years making donating blood his priority.

“It’s important, since it’s our responsibility to the community,” he said.

Once blood is given it can be used between 24 to 48 hours afterward. Blood only has a shelf life of 42 days, which is why there is such a shortage.

“It shouldn’t take a disaster or a tragedy like 9/11 for people to give blood,” Patterson said.

Patterson said everyone who is able to give blood should, even if it’s not every 56 days.

Patterson promises to continue donating until he is physically unable to.

He hopes to get in another seven donations by the end of the year.