Pearland resident featured in blood donation campaign

Mary Garrett, the Harris County Department of Education Head Start Assistant Manager, was recently featured in the Gulf Coast Blood Center's Commit for Life Campaign.

Garrett had been giving blood every three months at the Gulf Coast Blood Center since 2001, but in 2010 she needed a series of surgeries that required three units of blood.

"In the back of my mind, I knew that someday I might need blood or someone else dear to me might," Garrett said in a press release. "Donating blood is life-changing because blood is so precious."

While she can no longer give blood because of her medical condition, she has encouraged others to donate.

"After you get used to it, it's just like brushing your teeth," Garrett said in the release. "It's a humbling feeling to know that each time you sit in a donor chair, you are making a difference. "You really feel good about it."

Her story has been featured in an educational email to donors.

Others are encouraged to share their stories of donating blood. For more information, visit www.giveblood.org/share-your-story.