On drive days, Grandison arrives early. She greets donors, assists with check-in, answers questions and offers reassurance to first-time donors who may be nervous. She makes sure snacks and water are ready. Most importantly, she reminds every donor why their gift matters.
Grandison, Barnes and Starling’s leadership extends beyond blood drives. As members of the Greater East Texas Black Nurses Association, they advocate for improved health outcomes and equitable care across the region.
They may call themselves retired, but their impact says otherwise.
During Red Cross Month, we celebrate women like Grandison, Barnes, and Starling, who continue to serve, mentor, and lead long after their formal careers end. They are proof that compassion doesn’t retire.
Their message is simple: “If you can donate blood, do it.”
You may never meet the person you help, but for someone living with sickle cell disease, your donation could mean fewer pain crises, fewer hospital stays and more time living life.
Since launching the Sickle Cell Initiative, the Red Cross has provided more than 300,000 sickle cell trait screenings.
To become a blood drive host, or to schedule a blood or platelet donation appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or use the Red Cross Blood Donor app.
About American Red Cross Month
The American Red Cross recognizes March as Red Cross Month, a national tradition that began in 1943 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued the first proclamation — and each U.S. president has followed ever since.
During this month, the Red Cross celebrates the people and community partners who step up when needed to help their neighbors. Join more than 30,000 supporters for our 12th annual Red Cross Giving Day to help provide shelter, food, relief supplies and emotional support to disaster survivors.