Charles Drew

Who Was Charles Drew?

Charles Richard Drew was an influential African American physician and medical researcher renowned for his pioneering contributions to the field of blood transfusion. He developed innovative methods for processing and storing blood plasma, which led to the establishment of the first large-scale blood banks. During World War II, Drew played a vital role in directing blood plasma programs for both the United States and Great Britain. However, he resigned from his position in protest against a ruling that mandated the segregation of blood from African American donors. Dr. Drew’s life was tragically cut short when he passed away on April 1, 1950.

Family and Early Life

Dr. Charles R. Drew was a trailblazer in medical research, particularly noted for his groundbreaking work on blood storage and transfusion methods. He managed two of the largest blood banks during World War II, significantly impacting medical practices related to blood donation and transfusion. Born in Washington, D.C., Drew was the eldest son of a carpet layer and demonstrated exceptional athletic talent during his youth. He earned numerous medals for swimming in elementary school and later excelled in football, basketball, and other sports. After graduating from Dunbar High School in 1922, Drew received a sports scholarship to Amherst College, where he made his mark on both the track and football teams.

Education

Drew graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Amherst in 1926, but financial constraints initially prevented him from pursuing medical school. To support his ambitions, he worked as a biology instructor and coach at Morgan College (now Morgan State University) in Baltimore for two years. In 1928, Drew applied to various medical schools and was accepted at McGill University in Montreal, Canada.

At McGill, Drew excelled academically, quickly establishing himself as a top student. He received a prize in neuroanatomy and became a member of Alpha Omega Alpha, the medical honor society. Graduating in 1933 as second in his class, Drew earned both Doctor of Medicine and Master of Surgery degrees. He completed his internship and residency at the Royal Victoria Hospital and the Montreal General Hospital, where he studied under Dr. John Beattie, focusing on issues related to blood transfusions. Following the death of his father, Drew returned to the United States and began his career as an instructor at Howard University’s medical school in 1935. The following year, he completed a surgical residency at Freedmen’s Hospital in Washington, D.C., alongside his university duties.

Father of Blood Banks: The Legacy of Dr. Charles Drew

In 1938, Dr. Charles Drew was awarded a Rockefeller Fellowship, which enabled him to study at Columbia University and train at the Presbyterian Hospital in New York City. During this period, he collaborated with John Scudder to delve deeper into blood-related research. Dr. Drew pioneered a method for processing and preserving blood plasma, a vital component of blood that can be stored for extended periods without the cellular elements. This innovation not only allowed for the effective banking of plasma but also led to the realization that it could be dried and reconstituted when necessary. His groundbreaking research formed the foundation of his doctoral thesis, titled “Banked Blood,” culminating in his receipt of a doctorate degree in 1940—making him the first African American to achieve this honor from Columbia University.

As World War II intensified in Europe, Dr. Drew was tasked with leading a special medical initiative known as “Blood for Britain.” In this role, he organized the collection and processing of blood plasma from multiple New York hospitals and coordinated the shipment of these critical resources to aid casualties of the war. Reports indicate that Dr. Drew was instrumental in the collection of approximately 14,500 pints of plasma.

In 1941, he initiated another significant blood bank program for the American Red Cross, aimed at supporting U.S. military personnel. However, Dr. Drew soon became disillusioned with the military’s directive to segregate blood donations from African Americans. Initially, military officials were reluctant to utilize blood from African American donors, later asserting that it could only be used for African American soldiers. This discriminatory policy deeply offended Dr. Drew, leading to his resignation after only a few months in the role.

Death and Legacy

Following his establishment of two of the earliest blood banks, Dr. Drew returned to Howard University in 1941, where he served as a professor and headed the university’s Department of Surgery. He also held the position of chief surgeon at Freedmen’s Hospital. That same year, he became the first African American examiner for the American Board of Surgery.

In 1944, Dr. Drew was honored with the Spingarn Medal from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) for his “highest and noblest achievement” as an African American in the preceding years. This recognition was specifically for his efforts in the collection and distribution of blood plasma.

In the years that followed, Dr. Drew continued to be a prominent and respected figure in medicine. He maintained his roles as chief surgeon at Freedmen’s Hospital and professor at Howard University until his untimely death on April 1, 1950. He tragically died from injuries sustained in a car accident near Burlington, North Carolina, while attending a medical conference at the Tuskegee Institute. He was 45 years old and left behind his wife, Minnie, and their four children. The Reverend Jerry Moore poignantly remarked at Dr. Drew’s funeral that he led “a life which crowds into a handful of years’ significance, so great, men will never be able to forget it.”

Since his passing, Dr. Drew has received numerous posthumous honors, including being featured in the United States Postal Service’s Great Americans stamp series in 1981. His legacy endures through various educational institutions named in his honor, a testament to his significant contributions to medicine and society.