In honor of Black History Month, we want to celebrate African-Americans who have made a difference in the Health world. The figures in this article have either been doctors, patients, public officials, activists, or researchers. Thanks to these individuals, there have been advancements in breast cancer research, eye health, asthma, and health care polices. Let’s meet some of these inspirational people.

Henry Blair (1807-1860):

There isn’t much information about the life of Henry Blair, but he did event the seed planter, which allowed farmers to plant corn quickly and efficiently. He was also the second African-American inventor to be rewarded a patent for his invention.

Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler (1831-1895):

In 1864, Dr. Crumpler became the first African-American woman to earn a medical degree. After working with clinics and conducting research to help improve the health of black communities, she dedicated the rest of her life to providing medical treatment to newly freed African-Americans in the South after the Civil War.

Daneil Hale Williams (1858-1931):

Dr. Williams started the first African-American-owned hospital in America. He was a renowned cardiologist, who was actually one of the first doctors to perform open-heart surgery on a human patient. Before he died, Dr. Williams co-founded the National Medical Association for African-American doctors.

Henrietta Lacks (1920-1951):

Henrietta Lacks was the progenitor of the one of the most important cell lines in medical history: the HeLa cell line. She was diagnosed with cervical cancer at age 30. A doctor at Johns Hopkins Hospital removed a piece of her tumor and discovered that her cells never died. Even though she died in 1951, her “immortal” cells helped unlock the polio vaccine, and were essential for gene mapping and in vitro fertilization.

Charles Drew (1904-1950):

Charles Drew was the first African-American to graduate with a degree in medicine from Columbia University. He was a blood plasma specialist that helped pioneer blood transfusions. Drew became the head of the Red Cross and helped demolish prejudiced policies about blood donations from different races.

Phill Wilson (1956-present):

Phill Wilson and his partner were diagnosed with HIV in the early 1980s, a time when the AIDS epidemic was on the rise in America. From the time he was diagnosed, Wilson has been an activist with the belief that African-Americans needed a stronger response to the AIDS epidemic. Wilson founded the Black AIDS Institute in 1999 to conduct trainings and publish studies & articles about HIV/AIDS awareness around the country. He continually fights to raise awareness and will never lose hope.

Dr. Teletia Taylor (1961-present):

Breast cancer is the number one killer of black women. Dr. Teletia Taylor, assistant professor of Medicine and Psychology at Howard University, was a researcher in a study that revealed that women who faced frequent discrimination had a higher risk of developing breast cancer. She is continuing her research, investigating how stress management therapy may be a better option than chemotherapy for cancer patients.

Michelle Obama (1964-present):

While Michelle Obama may be relaxing after serving as the First Lady for two terms, she was no slouch in the White House. Michelle is a health advocate and helped raise awareness about childhood obesity with her Let’s Move! program. Her mission was to help lower child obesity rates in America, and this work has helped bring healthier lunches to schools nationwide.

Tracye McQuirter (1966-present):

Tracye McQuirter, a long time animal rights activist, 30-year vegan, and nutritionist, just released a free vegan guide to help African-Americans reclaim their health. She partnered with Farm Sanctuary, an animal rescue organization, to release this guide. Only 3% of African-Americans are vegan, but McQuirter believes that African-Americans benefit most from eating plant-based diets, primarily because it is a part of their cultural heritage.

Sources:

http://www.bet.com/news/health/photos/2013/02/black-history-month-african-american-health-pioneers.html#!100412-health-cancer-doctor-treatment-visit-check-up

http://madamenoire.com/95954/black-women-in-medicine-five-african-american-females-whove-made-advances/

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