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Charles R. Drew posing for a picture with a medical apparatus.
Drew's Impacts
Dr. Charles R. Drew, an African American surgeon, revolutionized the field of blood transfusions with his groundbreaking research in the preservation of blood plasma. His work had far-reaching impacts, saving countless lives both in the United States and overseas during World War II (Charles Richard ... [date unknown]).
World War II
Appointed head of the Blood for Britain Project (BFB), Drew and his team developed methods to preserve and transport plasma in saline solution across the Atlantic to aid British soldiers and civilians during the War. This procedure enabled the long-term storage of blood plasma for transfusions, laying the groundwork for modern blood banking practices (Charles Richard ... [date unknown]).
Britons observing a shipment of blood plasma from the Blood for Britain Project.
Charles R. Drew and a group of nurses posing for a picture in front of the first "bloodmobile."
American Red Cross
After the BFB project concluded in 1941, Drew’s innovations inspired the establishment of the American Red Cross blood bank. As part of this effort, he introduced the concept of “bloodmobiles,” refrigerated mobile units that allowed blood collection outside hospital settings, significantly increasing donations. Despite facing racial discrimination, Drew’s contributions earned him the title “Father of the Blood Bank,” cementing his legacy in medical sciences and public health (Charles Richard ... [date unknown]).
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