Dr. Charles R. Drew’s groundbreaking work transformed blood transfusion and continues to impact millions of people today. Now, his family is helping tell his story in a new documentary from the American Red Cross.
“Iconic Excellence: The Legacy of Dr. Charles R. Drew” premieres Sept. 18 on the American Red Cross YouTube channel. The film explores Drew’s scientific achievements while addressing questions that have surrounded his life and death for decades.
The documentary also examines the circumstances surrounding Drew’s departure from the American Red Cross and the role racial segregation played in blood donation during his lifetime.
Dr. Charles Drew changed blood transfusion
Dr. Charles Drew became a pioneer in blood plasma preservation during World War II. His research helped make it possible to collect, preserve and transport blood products on a much larger scale.
His work helped save hundreds of thousands of lives during the war.
Drew also pushed for greater access to blood donation for Black Americans. He opposed the practice of segregating blood donations based on race.
Another major contribution was his work developing mobile blood donation programs. The transfusion trailers he helped introduce eventually became the bloodmobiles used for community blood drives.
His influence also extended into medical education. Before his death at age 45, Drew had trained a generation of surgeons and helped open doors for Black medical professionals.
New documentary explores Drew’s family story
“Iconic Excellence” features several members of Drew’s family, including his daughters Bebe Drew Price, Dr. Charlene Drew Jarvis and Sylvia Drew Ivie.
His grandchildren Ernie Drew Jarvis and Dr. Kelly Price Noble also appear in the film.
Sylvia Drew Ivie describes her father as someone who was focused on creating lasting change for future generations.
The documentary also features Derrick Johnson, president and CEO of the NAACP, along with representatives from the American Red Cross and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.
DeMarco Morgan narrates the film, while Tiffany Taylor serves as executive producer and writer. Brad Zerivitz directs the documentary.
Dr. Charles Drew’s legacy continues today
The national Red Cross blood program that Drew helped shape continues to support patients as medical treatments evolve.
Blood transfusions remain important in procedures such as bone marrow and stem cell transplants. They can also play a significant role in treatments for people living with sickle cell disease.
The documentary highlights this connection between Drew’s work and modern medicine.
It also emphasizes the importance of blood donation among Black communities. According to the American Red Cross, Black donors are three times more likely to provide a blood match for patients with sickle cell disease.
Divine Nine organizations join blood donation effort
“Iconic Excellence” also highlights the connection between Drew’s legacy and the Divine Nine historically Black Greek-letter organizations.
Drew was a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. Johnson and Ricky Lewis are also members of the fraternity.
Dr. Yvette Miller is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Morgan belongs to Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., while Taylor is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.
This fall, Divine Nine organizations are expected to host blood drives supporting people living with sickle cell disease.
When to watch “Iconic Excellence”
“Iconic Excellence: The Legacy of Dr. Charles R. Drew” will be released Sept. 18 during Sickle Cell Awareness Month.
The documentary will be available on the American Red Cross YouTube channel. Screenings and blood drives will also take place across the country in honor of Drew’s contributions to medicine.
The film offers viewers an opportunity to learn more about a scientist whose work helped transform blood transfusion and continues to influence medical care generations later.
Source: American Red Cross
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