Charles Richard Drew was a prominent African American physician, surgeon, and medical researcher who made significant contributions to the field of medicine, particularly in the areas of blood banking and transfusion medicine. He was born on June 3, 1904, in Washington, D.C.

Drew is perhaps best known for his groundbreaking work in blood plasma preservation and storage. During World War II, he led the development of techniques for processing and storing blood plasma for transfusion, which greatly improved the survival rates of wounded soldiers on the front lines.

Prior to his work, blood was typically transfused directly from donor to recipient, which posed logistical challenges and limited the shelf life of the blood. Drew's research demonstrated that blood could be separated into its components, allowing for the storage of plasma separately from other blood components. This discovery laid the foundation for the establishment of blood banks and revolutionized the field of transfusion medicine.

Despite his notable contributions to medicine, Drew faced racial discrimination in his career. He was denied a surgical residency at a prominent hospital in New York City because of his race, which led him to focus more on research and teaching.

Charles Richard Drew's legacy lives on as a pioneer in the field of medicine and a trailblazer for African Americans in the healthcare profession. His work has saved countless lives and continues to impact medical practices to this day.