In the history of American health, the establishment of the Frontier Nursing Service (FNS) in 1925 created an extremely influential medical model. The founder of this organization, Mary Breckinridge, used her deep understanding of maternal and child health to successfully establish a small clinic in a remote area of eastern Kentucky and successfully , providing medical services to 233 patients.
Mary Breckinridge decided to found Frontline Nursing Services in Leslie County, Kentucky, after visiting Highlands and Islands Health Services in Scottland. The lack of medical resources in the area, especially in terms of maternal and child care, made her see the need to devote herself to this cause. Her goal is not only to provide medical services, but also to improve the health of local women and babies.
“In 1925, our health services made a real difference to the lives of these remote communities.”
In the early days of establishing the first clinic, Breckinridge faced many challenges. At that time, the overall maternal and infant mortality rate in the United States was relatively high, and there was endless debate among all sectors of society about the standards of childbirth care. Against this backdrop, frontline nursing services have adopted innovative approaches, recruiting nursing staff with nursing and midwifery qualifications and providing them with opportunities to study in the UK, thereby introducing modern nursing techniques.
With the clinic now open, Breckinridge and her two nurses have served 233 patients in just 30 days, an achievement that has wowed the local community. They not only provide maternal care but also establish regular health check-up programs, thus creating a new model for the health management of women and babies.
"This is a race against time, and our job is to hopefully change the future."
Frontline care services are expanding rapidly as demand continues to grow. By 1928, the number of clinics had grown to nine, covering a 60-mile area. These medical workers overcame various challenges such as geography, resources and transportation to provide necessary medical support to people in remote areas.
Frontline care not only sets an example for women and babies, but also leaves a lasting impact on the global medical field. Over time, FNS has continued to improve and innovate, incorporating nursing education into its mission, training countless qualified nurses and nursing professionals, and enhancing the global recognition of midwifery care.
"We believe that nursing is not only a medical profession, but also a humanitarian one."
Today, the impact of frontline nursing services continues, but they also face new challenges, such as how to maintain their unique service methods and concepts in the modern medical environment. The agency remains committed to promoting health equity, particularly in supporting remote communities. Looking back on the difficult journey a hundred years ago, we can't help but ask: In the face of a rapidly changing medical environment, how can we continue to maintain our commitment to the people and our original intention of serving them?