National Library of Medicine traveling exhibition program

On display at the Health Sciences Library (HSL) are six banners with images and text that trace the history of immigrant health and immigrants’ and migrants’ experiences with U.S. health care over the last 130 years.

The exhibition examines the lack of access to health care immigrants faced in the U.S., the emergence of immigrant health services, and the social movements and reforms started by immigrants and migrants to fight exclusion, stigmatization, and discrimination in health care.

Nurses working for the Henry Street Visiting Nurse Service in New York City took snapshots showing their lives and the lives of the families they cared for in the 1930s. The nursing services addressed major problems of immigrant health, including infant mortality, tuberculosis, and sanitation, and inspired the role of nurses in promoting social reform.

The exhibition also examines the history of stereotyping particular immigrant groups as disease carriers. It looks at how Chinese, Mexican, and Haitian immigrants and migrants were affected by medical stigmatization and how these groups organized against discrimination and advocated for more effective public health practices.

“We are delighted to host this traveling exhibition from the National Library of Medicine after the program’s pause due to the pandemic,” said Annabelle Nuñez, Associate Director at HSL. "It is gratifying to give our patrons something informative and important to explore and reflect upon while visiting the library."

More info

Exhibit can be viewed 8am to 5pm, Monday through Friday at the Health Sciences Library.

For exhibition details, visit the online exhibition.