In 1960, Dr. Pearl Mao Tang made history as the chief of the Maricopa County Bureau of Maternal and Child Health. As a Chinese American who had overcome significant barriers to obtain her medical license in Arizona, Dr. Tang played a pivotal role in lowering the infant mortality rate in Maricopa County, the state’s most populous region.
Working tirelessly in both urban Phoenix and rural areas, Dr. Tang focused on improving maternal and child health, particularly among underserved populations. Her dedication and collaboration with public health nurses brought essential care to families in migrant farm camps and impoverished urban communities. Through her visionary leadership, Dr. Tang transformed public health in Arizona, impacting the lives of thousands of families.
This presentation delves into Dr. Tang’s groundbreaking career and examines the historical conditions in Arizona that made her work so critical and transformative.
About the Presenter
Dr. Mary Melcher, a public historian, earned her Ph.D. in American history at Arizona State University, specializing in 20th-century history, women’s history, and the American West. She has served as a curator, public history consultant, and lead historian for the Arizona Women’s Heritage Trail, blending women’s history with the interpretation of historic sites.
Dr. Melcher has conducted over 150 oral histories and published extensively in historical journals. Her book, Pregnancy, Motherhood, and Choice in Twentieth Century Arizona (University of Arizona Press, 2012), reflects her passion for women’s history and reproductive health. Don’t miss this compelling exploration of Dr. Tang’s enduring legacy in public health.