Which two women are credited with developing the visiting nurse service for the poor in New York City?

Lillian Wald and Mary Brewster are recognized for their significant contribution to public health through the establishment of the visiting nurse service in New York City. In the late 19th century, Wald, a prominent nurse, social worker, and reformer, alongside Brewster, aimed to provide healthcare and education to the impoverished communities of New York. They founded the Henry Street Settlement in 1893, which served as a holistic approach to addressing health disparities and social determinants of health, integrating nursing services into the fabric of the community.

Through their efforts, Wald and Brewster pioneered the concept of visiting nurses who provided essential medical care in homes, thereby expanding access to healthcare beyond the hospital setting. Their work emphasized the importance of preventive care and health education, laying the groundwork for modern public health nursing practices. This initiative was a crucial step in recognizing the need for healthcare accessibility for marginalized populations, ultimately influencing healthcare systems across the United States.