Willimina Rayne Walsh (1900 – 1966) was the associate director of the
American Public Health Association.
She was the recipient of the
Sedgwick Memorial Medal
The Sedgwick Memorial Medal, given by the American Public Health Association, was established in 1929 for distinguished service and advancement of public health knowledge and practice. It is considered the APHA's highest honor.
The medal is esta ...
in 1965 for her work on the growth and expansion of the association.
Walsh worked for APHA for 45 years beginning in 1920.
Her work there included managing and overseeing the annual meetings—their sites as well as their programs—in addition to bringing in more advertising for
The American Journal of Public Health
The ''American Journal of Public Health'' is a monthly peer-reviewed public health journal published by the American Public Health Association that covers health policy and public health. The journal was established in 1911 and its stated missio ...
.
During her tenure, the membership of APHA grew from 3700 people to 16,000 people.
She was active in public health affairs, speaking publicly about the need for increased public health measures.
Many spoke of her "behind the scenes" work on various initiatives including the editorial board of ''Health Laboratory Science'' who credited her with helping them launch their journal.
Walsh was raised in
Lawrence, Massachusetts
Lawrence is a city located in Essex County, Massachusetts, United States, on the Merrimack River. At the 2020 census, the city had a population of 89,143. Surrounding communities include Methuen to the north, Andover to the southwest, and Nort ...
, and attended the State Normal School in
Lowell, Massachusetts
Lowell () is a city in Massachusetts, in the United States. Alongside Cambridge, It is one of two traditional seats of Middlesex County. With an estimated population of 115,554 in 2020, it was the fifth most populous city in Massachusetts as of ...
, where she graduated with honors.
She married John Walsh in New York City, on April 16, 1926.
References
1900 births
1966 deaths
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