**PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A VIRTUAL PROGRAM THAT WILL TAKE PLACE VIA ZOOM. Registrants will receive a link to access the Zoom Meeting via email.** 

Learn about the story of Lillian Wald, "the Mother of Public Health Nursing."

One hundred years ago, communicable diseases were common and crowded cities were very unhealthy places to live. It was before most public health laws and regulations were passed. Today we have much healthier living and working environments; because, pioneers, like Lillian Wald, paved the way for the development of public health models to improve the health of society. We are still using these models and strategies during the current coronavirus pandemic. 

Lillian D. Wald was so moved by the horrific living conditions of the poor in the lower east side of New York City, she moved into a nearby apartment to provide needed healthcare to the residents. She founded the Nurse's Henry Street Settlement House in 1893. Here the public health nurse model was developed. Her pioneering work was used to help develop the community-based disease investigation and control model that we still use to investigate diseases of unknown origin.
Wald became a renowned humanitarian dedicated to the rights of the poor and less fortunate members of society. She fought for reforms to improve living and working conditions, health care and children's rights to an education.

Led by Kathleen Hursen, RN, MS,  a graduate of Framingham State University and the University of Massachusetts Medical School’s Graduate School of Nursing. During her career, she served as Director of Education and Training at the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Division of TB Prevention and Control and was Public Health Nurse Manager of the Regional TB Clinic in the Town of Framingham. Hursen was also Program Secretary of the Nursing Section of the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (IUATLD). She has 30 years of experience in public health. 

About This Series: The Tewksbury Public Library has partnered with area museums, aquariums, and zoos to host virtual learning opportunities every Thursday, from September 10 through November 19. This M.A.Z.E. (Museum, Aquarium & Zoo Events) virtual learning series is brought to you with federal funds provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.