Charles Drew (1904-1950) Pioneer in Blood Plasma Preservation

A native of Washington, D.C., Charles Drew attended Amherst College. There he was a letterman in track and a star halfback on the football team.  He also earned the Mossman trophy for outstanding scholarship. He won first prize in anatomy at McGill University in Canada.

 He began his study of the properties of blood plasma at Columbia University and discovered methods for preserving blood plasma in blood banks. An authority on the subject, he set up a plasma program in Britain and later did the same for the United States in 1942.  During World War II, his contribution to medicine saved the lives of thousands of soldiers. In recognition of his contributions to black progress, Drew received the Spingarn Medal. 

 Dr. Drew became chief surgeon and chief of staff at Freedmen’s Hospital. He died in a car accident in 1950.

Adams, 73.