Charles R. Drew

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Charles Richard Drew, 1946, Britannica
Charles R. Drew was a pioneering African-American physician and medical researcher who left a mark on history through his groundbreaking work in the field of blood transfusion and blood banking. During World War II, Drew played a pivotal role in establishing and directing the first American Red Cross blood bank, where he introduced innovative techniques for preserving blood plasma, leading to the concept of "bloodmobiles" for mobile collection units. His work revolutionized the storage and transportation of blood components, significantly reducing waste and increasing the effectiveness of medical treatments on the battlefield and beyond.

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Arlington Historical Society
Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science
National Library of Medicine


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