Blood banking has played a crucial role in medical advancements and in saving lives, including within Black history. One particularly significant figure in this field is Dr. Charles Drew, an African American physician and surgeon who revolutionized the process of blood transfusion during World War II.

Dr. Drew established the first large-scale blood bank in the United States, which was instrumental in developing techniques for collecting, storing, and processing blood plasma for transfusions. His work helped to establish the American Red Cross Blood Bank.

Despite his groundbreaking contributions to the field of blood banking, Dr. Drew also faced discrimination and racial barriers in his career. For example, during World War II, the U.S. military initially segregated blood donations based on race, but Dr. Drew fought against this policy, advocating for the need to prioritize blood compatibility rather than race.

Dr. Charles Drew's legacy in blood banking and his efforts to improve access to safe blood transfusions for all patients have had a lasting impact on healthcare and continue to be recognized in Black history and beyond.