Lillian D. Wald

Wald, Lillian D. (1867–1940), U.S. nurse, public health services pioneer, and social worker, founder of the Henry Street Settlement (1893). Wald organized a visiting nurse service that led to the inception of the first public school nursing system. She became an advocate for children and others with special health needs, and was responsible for initiating both an American Red Cross nursing service to rural areas (1912) and The Children's Bureau (1912), a national group. Wald, as a member of the American Union Against Militarism as well as several other national and international commissions of the same nature, promoted world peace, public welfare, and supported worker's unions. Written works include The House on Henry Street (1915) and Windows on Henry Street (1934).