Charles Drew was an African American surgeon and medical researcher who made significant contributions to the field of medicine and blood banking. He is best known for his work on blood transfusions and the development of techniques for the long-term storage of blood plasma, which played a crucial role in establishing the first blood banks during World War II.

Drew's research on blood transfusions led to the realization that plasma could be separated from whole blood and preserved separately, allowing for longer-term storage and making blood transfusions more practical and efficient. This discovery revolutionized the field of blood banking and saved countless lives on the battlefield and beyond.

Despite facing discrimination and segregation in his career, Drew went on to become the director of the first American Red Cross Blood Bank and played a pivotal role in organizing blood donation drives and training medical personnel in blood transfusion techniques. His work laid the foundation for the modern blood banking system and continues to have a lasting impact on healthcare practices today.

Charles Drew's legacy as a pioneering African American physician and scientist is celebrated for his contributions to medicine and for breaking down racial barriers in the field of healthcare.