The biography of Dr. Charles R. Drew – African American inventor, surgeon, medical researcher, athlete, and professor as told by Ossie Davis. Charles Richard Drew (June 3, 1904 – April 1, 1950) was an American surgeon and medical researcher who lived in Arlington, Virginia. He researched in the field of blood transfusions, developing improved techniques for blood storage, and applied his expert knowledge to developing large-scale blood banks early in World War II. This allowed medics to save thousands of lives of the Allied forces. As the most prominent African American in the field, Drew protested against the practice of racial segregation in the donation of blood, as it lacked scientific foundation, and resigned his position with the American Red Cross, which maintained the policy until 1950.
AHS offers a viewing guide for students of all ages. Please click here: The Hurdler Viewing Guide
This film was produced by 16mm Educational Films. The run time on this video is 17 min, 23 sec.