March is Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate the many accomplishments women have made and continue to make in every industry and field in the United States, especially healthcare and public health.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2021, 16.4 million women were employed in the healthcare industry, that’s 77.6% of the total healthcare workforce. This Women’s History Month, it’s important to remember the women who shaped US public Health and Healthcare into what it is today—starting first with Clara Barton.
Clara worked as a nurse in the Civil War, but after visiting Switzerland in 1869 and meeting members of the Red Cross International, Clara was determined to bring the Red Cross to the U.S. She founded the American Red Cross in May of 1881. The American Red Cross does more than just blood drives. They are known for their disaster response, home fire response, international aid, and training services.
The next important woman in public health is Eula Hall. A lesser known figure, Hall’s work in public health, specifically in Appalachia, cannot be ignored. In 1973, Hall founded the Mud Creek Clinic, a free healthcare clinic in Eastern Kentucky. She worked tirelessly, ensuring individuals in rural Kentucky had access to healthcare even when her clinic burnt down and had to be rebuilt. Hall also advocated for benefits for individuals suffering with black lung at the state and national level. She worked nonstop until she died in 2021 at the age of 93.
Dr. Frances Oldham Kelsey is also a name most people wouldn’t recognize, but she helped save millions of Americans. Dr. Kelsey worked for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and prevented Thalidomide, an anti-morning sickness drug that caused life-threatening birth defects, from being sold in the U.S. For this accomplishment, she received the President’s Award for Distinguished Federal Civilian Service in 1962, making her the second woman to receive the award. Her work also impacted the FDA’s oversight on pharmaceuticals, protecting millions of Americans without them knowing.
Lastly, Margaret Sanger and Dr. Ruth Westheimer both made a major impact on women’s reproductive health in the U.S. Sanger is the creator of the first birth control pill as well as the first birth control clinic, and the eventual founder of Planned Parenthood. Dr. Ruth Westheimer, more commonly known as just “Dr. Ruth,” revolutionized the way sexual education was taught in the U.S. Starting in the 80s, Dr. Ruth hosted radio and TV programs discussing sex and sexuality in a straightforward, newfound manner. In her career, Dr. Ruth wrote over 30 books on sexuality and was a well-beloved figure in public health until her passing in July of 2024.
While there are many more women in public health that aren’t covered here, this article is a great way to begin researching and learning more about the important women who have helped transform America in Public Health and beyond.
