MO HCR53

Designates December 4, 2010, as "Dr. Charles Drew Recognition Day" in Missouri to honor the African American physician and medical researcher.

Recognizes Dr. Drew's development of improved blood storage techniques, specifically the separation and refrigeration of blood plasma, which extended storage from two days to one week.

Acknowledges Dr. Drew's discovery that all humans share the same plasma type, enabling plasma transfusions regardless of blood type, and his creation of large-scale blood banks during World War II.

Notes Dr. Drew's resignation from the American Red Cross after the U.S. War Department ordered segregation of blood by donor race, and his subsequent achievements as the first African American to earn a Doctor of Medical Science degree from Columbia University and head of Howard University's Department of Surgery.

Encourages Missouri citizens to participate in appropriate activities on Dr. Charles Drew Recognition Day to honor his contributions to blood banking and the medical profession.