Dr. Charles Drew Blood Drive

• One of the most important scientists of the 20th century
• Discovered method for long-term storage of blood plasma
• Organized America's first large-scale blood bank

 Plasma is a clear, yellow liquid containing various proteins and electrolytes that carries blood cells and other substances through the body. It can be used as a blood substitute to help replace fluids and treat shock. There is an advantage to using plasma over whole blood in emergency situations because it:

• keeps longer without refrigeration
• won't deteriorate when agitated during transport
• can be used with any blood type
• is much less likely to transmit diseases
• can be injected through veins, muscles, the skin, and in large doses

•  Appointed Assistant Director of the First American Red Cross Blood Bank (1941)
• Earned the prestigious Spingarn Medal from the NAACP (1944)