Year: 1940

Where:  Washington, D.C.

Who: Charles Richard Drew

Charles Richard Drew was a pioneering American surgeon and medical researcher, born on June 3, 1904, in Washington, D.C. Drew is best known for his groundbreaking work in blood transfusion and blood storage techniques, which played a crucial role in saving lives during World War II. His innovative contributions revolutionized the field of medicine, and his leadership in developing blood preservation methods continues to impact modern healthcare practices.

In 1940, Drew’s research on blood preservation techniques led to the success of the "Blood for Britain" program, which collected over 5,500 vials of plasma for use in treating British soldiers and civilians during the war. His work led to the establishment of the American Red Cross Blood Bank in 1941, a pivotal moment in the history of blood transfusion. Drew also introduced the concept of bloodmobiles, mobile blood donation stations, which allowed for efficient collection and distribution of blood during emergencies. His contributions saved countless lives during the war and set the foundation for modern blood banking practices.

Charles Drew’s legacy extends beyond his technical innovations; he was a fierce advocate for racial equality in medicine. Drew resigned from the American Red Cross in 1942 after discovering that African American blood was being segregated, despite no scientific basis for the policy. His protest against racial discrimination in healthcare was an important part of his career, and he continues to be remembered not only for his contributions to medicine but also for his dedication to social justice. Drew’s work in blood transfusion, coupled with his commitment to equality, left an indelible mark on the medical field and paved the way for future advancements in blood banking and transfusion medicine.

Sources

Websites:

• About Dr Charles R Drew. Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science. (2023, November 14). https://www.cdrewu.edu/about-dr-charles-r-drew/ ​

• National Institutes of Health. (n.d.). Biographical overview | Charles R. Drew - profiles in Science. U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://profiles.nlm.nih.gov/spotlight/bg/feature/biographical-overview ​