The Inspiration of C.P. Plasma Center, Inc.

Dr. Charles R. Drew, a great African-American Scientist and Medical Surgeon is responsible for organizing the concept of the Blood Bank. Dr. Drew researched in blood plasma for transfusion due to longer life in the blood with cells removed (plasma) while at Presbyterian Hospital in New York, NY. In 1944 Dr. Drew received the Twenty-ninth Springarn Medal (NAACP) for his set up and running of the blood plasma bank in the Presbyterian Hospital. He organized a blood bank in London during World War II. When it was decided by the American Red Cross (ARC) to set up blood donor stations with the idea to collect blood plasma for the American Armed Forces, Dr. Drew was appointed as the first director and set up the first collection unit with full time people in contradistinction to the largely volunteer help used in the project for Great Britain. In 1950, Dr. Charles R. Drew's life was ended suddenly due to serious injuries he received from a car accident.

Richard Hardwick, (New York, NY: Scribner) 1967.