Atlanta Born, Louisville Inspired: Dr. Ricky Jones, Part 2

 (Story continued from Part 1)

Dr. Ricky Jones and previous Red Cross staff, Yulee

Ricky describes the continuous shortages in the blood supply as hurtful and disturbing, saying, “While we do this for sickle cell, people don’t understand that the Red Cross isn’t just that. The Red Cross is providing a blood supply for all kinds of issues. My grandmother who raised me, she died of multiple myeloma in 2009.”

Dr. Ricky Jones and Grandma, Linnie Mae Jones

Ricky’s grandmother needed blood transfusions while going through cancer treatments. Two loved ones in his life have depended on the generosity of blood donors. “What people don’t understand is when you give blood, that really is the gift of life. People need blood transfusions to survive... Certainly people who have suffered catastrophic injuries,” said Ricky.

Ricky acknowledges the struggle of getting the Black community to donate blood. “There’s always been a tenuous relationship between the black community and health care. There’s a built-in historical fear. We work to counter that as much as possible…It’s very tough to wrestle history in the immediate present,” he said. He is thankful that the Red Cross continues to raise awareness about the disease.

On a personal level, Ricky is tied to his community. He said, “I’m a teacher first. I believe in academic excellence and social responsibility. I’m an Atlanta kid but have been deeply involved in Louisville.” Any openings in his schedule are usually spent traveling with his daughter, Jordan, who plays travel volleyball.

Jordan Jones, KIVA volleyball player

The Red Cross deeply appreciates Dr. Ricky Jones for making sickle cell awareness a priority. He’s a natural leader in this community and we know he has helped many youth minds at UofL! #sicklecellawareness #sicklecell #Joinedbyblood