Dr. Mary Eliza Mahoney: A Trailblazer in Nursing and Healthcare Advocacy

Breaking Barriers in Nursing

Dr. Mary Eliza Mahoney made history as the first African American woman to become a registered nurse in the United States. In an era when opportunities for Black women in medicine were nearly nonexistent, she defied the odds, graduating from the New England Hospital for Women and Children’s nursing program in 1879.

Beyond her work as a nurse, Dr. Mahoney dedicated her life to improving healthcare for marginalized communities, ensuring that African Americans had access to compassionate and skilled medical care.

Advocating for Diversity in Healthcare

Dr. Mahoney knew that true progress required systemic change. She became a strong advocate for diversity in the nursing profession, fighting for equal opportunities for African American nurses.

In 1908, she co-founded the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses (NACGN), an organization that provided support, education, and advocacy for Black nurses at a time when segregation and discrimination were rampant in the medical field. Her leadership helped pave the way for a more inclusive nursing profession, inspiring future generations to pursue careers in healthcare.

A Legacy That Lives On

Dr. Mahoney’s impact can still be felt today. Her work set the foundation for increased diversity in nursing, and her advocacy for healthcare equity continues to inspire policies and programs promoting inclusivity in medicine.

Her legacy serves as a powerful reminder that representation in healthcare matters—and that change begins with bold individuals willing to challenge the status quo.

Honor Her Legacy: Take Action Today

Diversity in healthcare saves lives. Representation ensures that communities receive culturally competent care and that medical professionals reflect the populations they serve.

Here’s how YOU can make a difference:

Support diversity in healthcare—Advocate for equitable hiring, mentorship, and leadership opportunities in medicine. 

Advocate for Equitable Hiring & Leadership:

• If you work in healthcare, push for inclusive hiring policies and diverse leadership representation within your organization.
• Join or support organizations like the National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) (nbna.org) or the Diversity Nursing Network that promote workforce diversity. 
•  If you are a healthcare leader, offer internships, scholarships, or networking opportunities for underrepresented nursing students.

 Mentorship Programs

• Volunteer as a mentor for aspiring nurses of color through programs like The Future of Nursing: Campaign for Action (campaignforaction.org).
• Hospitals & clinics: Create partnerships with local schools to expose students from underrepresented backgrounds to careers in healthcare.

Encourage future nurses—Mentor and support students from diverse backgrounds pursuing careers in healthcare.

Sponsor Nursing Scholarships for Underrepresented Groups

• Donate to or promote scholarships like the American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s Minority Nurse Faculty Scholars Program (aacnnursing.org).

Engage with Schools & Community Colleges

• Speak at local high schools and community colleges to inspire students of color to pursue nursing careers.
• Organize career shadowing days or internship programs at hospitals for students interested in nursing.

Nominate & Recognize Diverse Nurses

• Celebrate nurses of color by nominating them for leadership positions, awards, and recognition programs in the workplace.

Educate yourself & share—Spread awareness about Black pioneers in medicine like Dr. Mahoney to inspire future generations.

Learn About Black Medical Pioneers

• Read books like "The Black Angels: The Untold Story of the Nurses Who Helped Cure Tuberculosis" by Maria Smilios.
• Watch documentaries on Black healthcare trailblazers, such as "Power to Heal: Medicare and the Civil Rights Revolution."

Amplify Black History in Medicine

• Share stories about pioneers like Dr. Mary Eliza Mahoney, Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler, and Dr. Charles Drew on social media.
• Organize or attend healthcare equity panels, book clubs, or community discussions on race and medicine.

Use Your Platform

• If you're in healthcare, write an article or blog post on why diversity in nursing matters and share it with your workplace or online.
• Encourage healthcare institutions to highlight diverse professionals during Black History Month and beyond.

Dr. Mary Eliza Mahoney fought for equality in nursing—now it’s up to us to continue her work. Share her story, advocate for inclusivity, and be a voice for change in healthcare. Choose one step today to honor Dr. Mahoney’s legacy and make a lasting impact in healthcare. How will you take action?