Lecture Notes: Lillian Wald and Her Contributions to Public Health

Introduction to Lillian Wald

• Founder of the Visiting Nurse Service of New York.
• Coined the term "public health nursing."
• First public health nurse.
• Founder and president of the National Organization for Public Health Nursing.
• Pioneer in nursing, public health, social reform, and civil rights.

The Henry Street Settlement

• Born from Lillian Wald's vision and tenement experience.
• Served as the home base for delivering healthcare, educational programs, and community support services.
• Focused on solving social problems and improving community health.

Key Contributions

• Advocated for improved working conditions for women, including a minimum wage.
• Pushed for enactment of child labor laws.
• Aimed to improve living conditions for immigrants in New York.
• Introduced the concept of an on-site public school nurse, which became standard practice across the U.S.
• Expanded nursing services to additional boroughs in New York City.

Impact and Achievements

• Achieved a 30% lower death rate for children under two years old compared to hospitals by 1914.
• During the 1918 Spanish flu, transformed New York City into a field hospital and created an infectious disease tracking system.
• Introduced preventive health care methods.

Legacy and Continuation

• Transformed public health and advanced equality for women.
• Changed the national approach to the treatment of children.
• Known as the head of the Henry Street Settlement, "Lady of the House."
• Passed away in 1940.
• The nursing division became the Visiting Nurse Service of New York (VNSNY) in 1944.
• VNSNY continues to carry forward Lillian Wald's mission and legacy in public health and social support.

Conclusion

• Lillian Wald's work significantly impacted the health and well-being of communities in New York City and beyond.
• Her innovations and dedication to public health have left a lasting legacy.