02/20/2026
In honor of , we recognize some of the remarkable figures whose work continues to influence healthcare today.
Mary Eliza Mahoney, the first Black licensed nurse in the United States, set new standards for professionalism and compassionate care, opening doors for future generations of nurses.
Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler, the first Black woman in the U.S. to earn a medical degree in 1864, devoted her career to caring for underserved communities and advancing public health through her medical writings.
Dr. Charles Richard Drew, a leader in blood banking, directed the first American Red Cross Blood Bank and developed the mobile donation units we now know as bloodmobiles, innovations that have saved countless lives.
Their dedication, leadership, and resilience continue to inspire us as we work toward equitable, patient-centered care for all.