Produced by the Red Cross in partnership with the NAACP and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., the film traces Drew’s journey from his Washington, D.C. childhood to his emergence as a surgeon and educator. Beyond his scientific breakthroughs, the documentary addresses the human side of his life, including his principled opposition to military blood segregation policies and his enduring impact on generations of Black surgeons. For the first time, his daughters and grandchildren appear on camera together to clarify long-standing questions surrounding his 1950 death and his abrupt departure from the Red Cross.

Advancing Health Equity

Drew’s influence remains visible in modern efforts to address health disparities. Since the 2021 launch of the Red Cross Sickle Cell Initiative, the organization has seen an 89% increase in Black and African American donors, with over 445,770 individuals contributing to the cause. By prioritizing community engagement, the initiative mirrors the outreach strategies Drew employed nearly a century ago. The film, narrated by journalist DeMarco Morgan, arrives during Sickle Cell Awareness Month to encourage continued participation in blood donation and community screening events.