Metrowest Health Foundation

In 1848, The Boston Female Medical College becomes the world's first medical school specifically for women, providing formal education in issues relating to women's health. Over a decade later, it becomes the first to admit a Black woman. The college offers a two-year program and is one of few medical schools to include OBGYN training. With the school's focus on educating women, women have greater opportunity to earn formal doctoral degrees in medicine (Dr. Elizabeth Caldwell became the first American woman to earn a doctorate degree in 1849, but applied to nearly 30 medical schools before gaining acceptance due to gender discrimination). Graduates of the college struggle to gain acceptance in the professional medical field and to be offered training or professional positions in established hospitals. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ This content is from the MetroWest Health Equity Timeline. For further reading and to see our sources, visit the #MetroWestHET on our website: https://lnkd.in/eHv5vcfH

In 1845, steadfast advocacy from Black families led to new state legislation guaranteeing all Massachusetts children access to public education, and gave them the right to sue if faced with segregation and discrimination. As one account describes, "While most Nantucket Quakers were genuinely committed to ending slavery and some even favored political rights for African Americans, very few of them accepted the notion of social equality or racial integration." In the 1830s and 1840s Black Nantucketers advocate relentlessly for the desegregation of schools on the island. Edward Pompey, a Black leader on the island, sent a petition with over 100 signatures to the state legislature asking for action to end segregation. The legislature ultimately passes House Bill 45, which gave access to public education for all children in the state, and importantly, gave people the right to sue if they have been discriminated against. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ This content is from the MetroWest Health Equity Timeline. For further reading and to see our sources, visit the #MetroWestHET on our website: https://lnkd.in/eHv5vcfH

Dr. Mary Crutchfield Thompson, who became the third Black woman to graduate from Tufts Dental School, is a notable founding member of the Natick Fair Housing Practices Committee. The Natick Fair Housing Practices Committee (NFHPC) is one of the first groups of its kind founded in the country. In weekly meetings members - both Black and white - educate themselves about racism and discrimination and teach others about the harmful effects of redlining. The group sidesteps racist realty practices by connecting families of color directly with Natick residents who are willing to sell their homes to non-white families. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ This content is from the MetroWest Health Equity Timeline. For further reading and to see our sources, visit the #MetroWestHET on our website: https://lnkd.in/eHv5vcfH

Living up to a campaign promise, newly re-elected Governor Dukakis signs a law guaranteeing shelter to homeless pregnant women and families. State officials are required to find shelter for low-income families living in Massachusetts, who may suddenly be homeless due to a no-fault eviction, no-fault natural disaster, domestic violence, or health risks to the children. Massachusetts remains the only state to have a law that clarifies a right to shelter. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ This content is from the MetroWest Health Equity Timeline. For further reading and to see our sources, visit the #MetroWestHET on our website: https://lnkd.in/eHv5vcfH

In 1848, the Boston Female Medical College becomes the world's first medical school specifically for women, providing formal education in issues relating to women's health. Over a decade later, it becomes the first to admit a Black woman. Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler graduates from the New England Female Medical College as the first African American woman with a formal doctor of medicine degree. Later in her career she becomes one of the first Black published authors of a medical book. Dr. Crumpler and other leaders pave the way for future generations of medical students. Happy International Women's Day! ~~~~~~~~~~~~ This content is from the MetroWest Health Equity Timeline. For further reading and to see our sources, visit the #MetroWestHET on our website: https://lnkd.in/eHv5vcfH

106 years ago, women in Massachusetts earned full voting privileges with the ratification of the 19th Amendment. The achievement marks nearly 100 years of fighting for women's suffrage. After the poll tax for women was abolished in 1892 and turnout for women voters remained low, community groups organized efforts to engage women, including Black women, in social issues. After a long road of advocacy, Massachusetts ratifies the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ This content is from the MetroWest Health Equity Timeline. For further reading and to see our sources, visit the #MetroWestHET on our website: https://lnkd.in/eHv5vcfH

Reminder: Concept papers are due next week (Friday, 3/14) for the Spring 2025 cycle.

Continuing to honor Black History Month by sharing some of the revolutionary moments in Massachusetts history. ______ Want to learn more about the history of Massachusetts health? Visit our Health Equity Timeline at https://lnkd.in/d_iZX_ia

Honoring Black History Month by sharing some of the revolutionary moments in medicine! ______ Want to learn more about the history of Massachusetts health? Visit our Health Equity Timeline at https://lnkd.in/d_iZX_ia