An Interview with Ernie Drew Jarvis: The Legacy of Dr. Drew

A hero to the American Red Cross with a legacy that has helped savecountless lives over the last 84 years, Dr. Charles R. Drew was a medical visionary who transformed blood banking. Earlier this year, Tiffany Taylor, communications specialist with the Red Cross, sat down with Ernie Drew Jarvis, Dr. Drew’s eldest grandson, to discuss his grandfather's legacy.

Named one of the 100 most influential people in the DC Region by the Washington Business Journal and one of the 300 most influential executives in corporate America by Savoy Magazine, Ernie is a DEI Champion in the commercial real estate industry, where he has represented organizations like the NAACP and Urban One, among others. Currently, he serves as the vice chairman of Savills North America, a global commercial real estate firm.

During this interview, Tiffany and Ernie discuss the loss of Dr. Drew’s sister, Elsie, who died of the Spanish flu in 1918, a tragedy that became a turning point in his professional development.

“I think that that tragic death really spawned or sparked something in him that he wanted to pursue medicine, so he could help other families and prevent other families from going through that same loss,” Ernie reflected. This motivation to help others can be seen throughout Dr. Drew’s entire career, from starting the Red Cross blood program in 1940 to becoming the Red Cross’ first medical director in 1941 to helping save hundreds of thousands of soldiers and civilians during World War II.

Dr. Drew lived by one central motto: Excellence of performance will transcend artificial barriers created by man. The example he set for his descendants, like Ernie, and everyday citizens across the U.S., continues to inspire others to help patients and their families in their most trying moments.

You can watch the entire interview above and, if you’re feeling inspired by the legacy of Dr. Drew, we encourage you to schedule your next appointment to donate blood today! Schedule online, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).