Which nurse should be highlighted in a presentation focusing on early public health efforts to improve the health of Black families?

Jessie Sleet Scales stands out as a crucial figure in early public health efforts directed at improving the health of Black families. She was one of the first Black public health nurses in the United States and played a significant role in addressing health disparities faced by African American communities, particularly in the early 20th century.

Scales worked extensively with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and was involved in initiatives that focused on maternal and infant health, which were essential areas of concern for Black families at that time. Her contributions included promoting better health practices, educating families on disease prevention, and advocating for the rights of Black communities to receive equitable health care.

Her dedication and impactful work in nursing and public health helped lay the groundwork for future efforts in health equity and community health for marginalized populations, making her an influential figure in the history of public health within Black families.