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Dr. Charles R. Drew: The Father of the Blood Bank
Dr. Charles R. Drew revolutionized blood storage and stood against racial injustice, earning the title “Father of the Blood Bank.”
Last Updated on March 13, 2026 by Daily News Staff
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Dr. Charles R. Drew: The Father of the Blood Bank
In the 1930s and 40s, one man’s groundbreaking medical research transformed how we save lives — and his legacy still flows through hospitals around the world.
Dr. Charles R. Drew (1904–1950), an African American physician and surgeon, discovered a better way to store and transport blood plasma. Plasma, the liquid component of blood, can be preserved longer than whole blood and safely shipped over great distances — a game changer for emergency medicine.
@stmblog He revolutionized how we store blood, saved thousands in WWII, and stood up to injustice. 🩸 Meet Dr. Charles R. Drew — the Father of the Blood Bank. History BlackHistory WWII MedicalBreakthrough STMDailyNews DidYouKnow ScienceHistory BloodBank InspiringStories LearnOnTikTok ♬ original sound – STMDailyNews – STMDailyNews
During World War II, Drew’s expertise powered the “Blood for Britain” program, which sent vital plasma to soldiers and civilians injured in the Blitz. Later, as the first director of the American Red Cross blood bank, he helped establish modern blood collection and distribution systems.
But Drew was more than a scientist — he was a man of principle. He resigned from the Red Cross in protest over its policy of segregating blood by race, a practice he condemned as scientifically baseless and morally wrong.
Known today as the “Father of the Blood Bank,” Dr. Drew’s innovations continue to save millions of lives every year. His story is a testament to the power of science, dedication, and courage to challenge injustice.
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Moments in History: Dr. Charles R Drew
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