Red Cross board member Dr. Aja Murphy and 19-year Red Cross veteran Crystal Jackson closed the evening — one speaking frankly about mistrust, the other issuing a call to action for the whole community. Tap any quote to play the exact moment.
🎙️ In this clip: Dr. Aja Murphy · Crystal Jackson
Dr. Aja Murphy: name the mistrust, then build
There's a mistrust in our community, and it's well-founded.
Dr. Murphy said half the donors at her drives are first-timers — and too few come back. Her answer: make giving part of the culture, and let trusted family and friends do the educating.
If we'll accept blood, we should be able to donate also and make it a part of the culture.
Crystal Jackson: keep blood on the shelf
Crystal remembered seeing Dr. Drew's picture in her very first Red Cross training 19 years ago.
If it wasn't for Dr. Charles R. Drew, where would we be with blood transfusions?
She asked churches, businesses, fraternities, sororities, schools and families to host drives and to donate every 56 days — not only when disaster strikes.
We have to build the supply before the emergency happens.
Host a blood drive, donate blood, bring someone to help.
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