African American History, Health Policy Heroes, and their Stories
As we wrap up 2023 Black History Month, let's pause and look back at the tremendous contribution of public health heroes from the African American community.
Read time: 7 mins
Janelle Ross from TIME writes
When a person dies, they often take with them much of what they knew, what they have seen and what they have felt. If they are fortunate, there is time to pass at least some of it on.
She writes this about the long-known fact that the stories of the heroism and triumphs of minority groups, especially the African American community, may be passed from generation to generation through narration rather than written account. As an Indian immigrant (from South Asia), I recognize this practice. The stories of my heroes and role models are not found on the shelves of Barnes & Noble or Amazon for that matter. They are found in the stories I heard from my parents, who heard from their parents, and them from theirs. There is no microfiche of newspaper clippings in the library that talks about my mother’s hometown or my grandfather’s role in the fight for independence from the British Raj.
For Black History Month, I want to pause the reflect on the heroes of public health who identify as members of the African American community. I want to celebrate their incredible feat and contribution to public health.
Here are a few of many: (also see next week’s Policy Capsule preview at the end of the post!)
Sickle Cell Disease & Sepsis Prevention
Marilyn Hughes Gaston MD (b 1939-)
Dr. Gaston’s 1986 study showed an 84% reduction in sepsis with the administration of oral penicillin to patients under 3 years old with Sickle Cell Disease. This study became the basis for the future screening policy for sickle cell disease in neonates and the consideration of prophylactic therapy with oral penicillin by four months of age to decrease the morbidity and mortality associated with pneumococcal septicemia. She went on to be the Director of the Bureau of Primary Health Care in the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).
Transfusion Medicine & Blood Preservation
Charles R. Drew, MD (1904-1950)
Dr. Drew was the pioneer for blood storage and preservation, leading to millions of lives saved in civil society and military warfare. He discovered the technique for the preservation of plasma leading to its use in WWII and beyond. As the Director of the first American Red Cross Blood Bank, he created mobile blood donation stations that are now known as bloodmobiles. During his tenure, he protested against racial segregation in the donation of blood, leading to his resignation from the organization. He went on to become the chairman of the department of surgery and chief of surgery at Freedmen’s Hospital (now known as Howard University Hospital) in Washington, D.C. During his time there, he went to great lengths to support young African-Americans pursuing careers in the discipline.
Preventive Medicine
Virginia Margaret Alexander, MD (1899- 1949)
Dr. Alexander was a physician and public health researcher who was dedicated to the cause of bringing healthcare to the poorest of the country. She founded the Aspiranto Health Home in 1931 to serve the needs of Philadelphia’s citizens. The Aspiranto Health Home provided health services (mostly free) to low-income African Americans, often free of cost. She also volunteered to serve the healthcare needs of new mothers, children, coal and iron miners, and anyone in need and without means.
Ophthalmology
Patricia Bath, MD (1942- 2019)
Dr. Bath was an ophthalmologist and innovator born and raised in Harlem, New York. Dr. Bath was the first African American to complete a residency in ophthalmology and the first African American woman doctor to receive a medical patent for Laserphaco Probe, a device used in cataract surgery. She created the discipline of community ophthalmology, which approaches vision care from the perspectives of community medicine and public health. She co-founded the American Institute for the Prevention of Blindness.
Oncology
Louis Tompkins Wright, MD (1891-1952)
Dr. Wright graduated from Harvard Medical School in 1915 with a medical degree cum laude and 4th in his class. Following medical school, he joined DC’s Freedman’s Hospital, now Howard University Hospital. Subsequently, he enlisted and served as a first lieutenant in the Army Medical Corps. At the end of his military career, he was discharged as a captain and was given a Purple Heart after a phosgene gas–based German assault. Throughout his career, he fought to integrate and improve Harlem Hospital and was eventually made Surgical Director. Dr. Wright was the first African American doctor appointed to a staff position at a municipal hospital in New York City. And, in 1929, became the city's first African American police surgeon. In 1948, he established both the Harlem Hospital Cancer Research Foundation and the Harlem Hospital Bulletin, where he was joined by his daughter Dr. Jane Cooke Wright. In 1934, Dr. Wright became Chair of the Board of Directors of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), which he occupied until he died in 1952. (more reading here)Jane Cooke Wright, MD (1919–2013)
In 1952, when her father (Dr. Louis Wright) passed, Dr. Jane Wright was appointed the new cancer Research Foundation leader at age 33. She created an innovative technique to test the effect of drugs on cancer cells by using patient tissue rather than laboratory mice. Her advances in oncology led to her becoming the director of cancer chemotherapy at New York University Medical Center. In 1967, she became a professor of surgery, head of the cancer chemotherapy department, associate dean at New York Medical College, and the highest-ranked African American woman at a nationally recognized medical institution. In 1971, Dr. Wright was elected president of the New York Cancer Society, the first female president. Her scientific advances helped transform chemotherapy into a therapeutic mainstay for cancer.Henrietta Lacks (1920- 1951)
Ms. Henrietta Lacks legacy requires no introduction. Upon diagnosis of cervical cancer, she underwent treatment at a segregated cancer unit, yet her cells were removed and harvested for “immortality” without her consent. Her next of kin were never informed. Her cells (called HeLa cells) continue to grow to date indefinitely. Since 1951. Her contribution to biomedical breakthroughs spans gene mapping, polio vaccine, cancer mutations, and HIV/AIDS. And, most recently, research on COVID-19 vaccines.
Behavioral Health
Nancy Boyd-Franklin, Ph.D. (b. 1950-)
Dr. Nancy Boyd-Franklin is a renowned psychologist and writer focused on family therapy, home-based family therapy, and a “multi-systems approach to the treatment of poor inner-city families.” Dr. Boyd-Franklin focuses on the development of a model of therapeutic support groups for African-American families living with AIDS, and issues in working with African-American children and adolescents. She has been instrumental in creating new therapeutic approaches that address the mental health of Black Americans that also expand treatment options for this community. Her experience led to her conclusion that “socially, culturally, and economically” accessible treatment options were of great need for Black families.Deborah Prothrow-Stith, MD, (b. 1954- )
Dr. Prothrow-Stith is the dean and Professor of Medicine for the College of Medicine at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science. She is an internationally recognized public health leader. “As a physician working in inner-city Boston, Dr. Prothrow-Stith broke new ground with her efforts to define youth violence as a public health problem.” She pioneered the idea that violence should be seen as a public health problem and a social “disease” rather than a criminal justice problem. In 1987, she became the first woman and youngest Commissioner of Public Health in Massachusetts. During her tenure, she established the first Office of Violence Prevention in a state department of public health as well as expanded prevention programs for HIV/AIDS, increased drug treatment, and access to rehabilitation programs. In 2003, Dr. Prothrow-Stith was elected to membership in the prestigious National Academy of Medicine. In 2015, she was inducted into the honor roll of women physicians in the Massachusetts Medical Society.
Next week on Policy Capsule, we will celebrate Women’s History Month with a discussion of women pioneers in medicine, and public health heroes of African American descent are certainly a part of this, especially regarding women’s rights, maternal health, global health, & being an astronaut!
Final Thoughts
A piece of each of us remains behind us after we pass. This piece survives in our stories, poems, and conversations - deep within the memories of our loved ones and future generations. While we are alive, we can make every effort to preserve the stories we hold in our hearts and minds, and write the ones that we are still building. In recognizing the accomplishments and contributions of the public health heroes above, I hope we learn that our life’s story remains unrealized until it finds its place and is reflected upon in full - in the context of our struggles and triumphs. I hope you consider telling your story and honoring those of the ones around you.
"There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you."
- Maya Angelou
Learn More: TIME - Black History Lives in Memories and Minds. COVID-19 Has Endangered Those Traditions, African American Public Health Heroes, Black American Pioneers Who Changed Healthcare, Celebrating 10 African-American medical pioneers, Changing the Face of Medicine