Lillian Wald: Founder of Public Health Nursing and the Henry Street Settlement

Lillian Wald (1867-1940) pioneered public health nursing in the U.S. In 1893, she co-founded the Henry Street Settlement on NYC's Lower East Side, providing social services to impoverished immigrants.

Key Innovation: Visiting Nurse Service (VNS)

Wald introduced trained nurses making home visits to deliver healthcare and education to those lacking access. This model emphasized:

  • Preventive care
  • Health education
  • Community outreach

VNS became the foundation of modern public health nursing, establishing the specialty as a recognized field. Wald's advocacy shaped national health policy and nursing education.

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