3. Charles Drew (1904 – 1950)
Known as the “Father of the Blood Bank,” Charles Richard Drew was a surgeon popular for his discovery of blood plasma. He was also the first director of the American Red Cross.
The death of his sister during the Great Influenza epidemic of 1918 inspired Drew to become a doctor.
Today, he is known for his life-saving invention for the preservation of blood. His work on the storage, processing, and shipment of blood plasma saved the lives of many Britons during the Second World War. He was also the first medical researcher to look into blood transfusions.
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Drew received the Spingarn Medal in 1944 for his classic work in blood plasma and his research that brought about blood plasma banks.
