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Local couple donates blood every year since 1991, encourages others to step up and help community blood supply

University Health says blood supply has dipped because of the holidays

SAN ANTONIO – A local couple is doing their part to help the community by donating blood every chance they get.

Lamar and Caroline Garrett have been donating blood together since they got married in 1991.

Caroline said she was inspired to begin donating after she met Lamar.

Lamar began donating blood at University Hospital in 1966. He said his desire to donate came from his time in the Navy. After seeing the need for blood on a tour, he decided to give back and donate.

“I’ve been donating every year since 1966,” Lamar said.

After marrying Caroline, the couple began donating together.

“I have a value, a belief system of helping others. It’s a way of giving to our neighbors and the community,” said Caroline.

Officials at University Hospital said consistent donations from couples like the Garretts help keep the blood supply steady.

“Plain and simple, blood donations will save lives,” said John Daniels, Medical Director for University Hospital’s Blood Donor Center. “It has a profound impact. You can have an immediate effect on your community by giving blood because the blood that’s collected here goes to the patient center here.”

Daniels said the hospital system’s blood donations have dipped slightly due to the recent holiday season. He also said about 38% of people across the U.S. are eligible to donate blood but only 3% do.

Lamar says if you’ve never donated blood before and are hesitant to do so, just give it a chance.

“It doesn’t hurt, and if you haven’t tried it, try it one time. I think after the first time that I tried it, I was hooked, and it was very worthwhile to our community,” Lamar said.

Anyone wanting to donate blood at University Health’s hospital clinic or at their donor bus can schedule a time to do that at by clicking here.


About the Authors
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Halee Powers is a KSAT producer primarily focused on digital newscasts and events.

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