Lillian Wald at Henry Street, 1893-1895

This article presents historical research into the origins of the Henry Street Settlement on the lower East Side of New York City. It is about Lillian D. Wald and her contributions. Wald used techniques and approaches to deal with problems that exist today: health care equity and financial support from public and private sources. Keys to her success include effective leadership, assertive management, and knowledge of the power structure. The Henry Street Settlement, from its humble origins, set precedents for innovations in public health nursing that have profoundly affected health care in the United States.