Eliza Farish Pillars (April 26, 1892-June 15, 1970) was the first black public health nurse in Mississippi. [1] [2] The Eliza Pillars Registered Nurses of Mississippi, a professional organization of African American nurses in Mississippi, is named in her honor. [3]
Eliza Farish Pillars was born on 26 April 1892 in Jackson, Mississippi. She attended public school in Jackson. [4] Following high school, she attended Utica Normal & Industrial Institute, and then completed her nurse's training at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee. [3]
After graduating from nursing school, Pillars worked for private physicians and then owned and ran a small hospital. [4]
On February 1, 1926, Pillars became the first person of color to be a nurse for the Mississippi State Board of Health, and the first black public health nurse in Mississippi. [4] [3] She had a statewide role in providing public health education and training midwives. [3] She retired in 1950.
In 1951, Pillars received the Mary Mahoney award from the American Nurses Association (ANA), [4] [5] which is given for significant contributions...to integration within the nursing profession." [6]
Pillars died on June 15, 1970 at the age of 78. [3]
In 1986, Pillars was inducted into the Mississippi Nurses Association Hall of Fame. [3]