Maya Angelou was born on April 4th, 1928 in St. Louis, Missouri at the Owens Hospital. Owens Hospital was established in 1903 and named in honor of the town founder, Dr. Slingerland Owens. As a result of being the only African American hospital in St. Louis at the time, Owens Hospital served a largely middle-class African American clientele. It offered a range of services including prenatal care, delivery, general health care, surgery, and outpatient care. The hospital eventually closed its doors in 1959 due to declining demand.
Maya Angelou was the first of Vivian Baxter and Bailey Johnson’s two children to be born in the hospital, and she immediately became the pride and joy of both her parents. Her mother was especially proud that her first child was born in a prestigious hospital, noting that it was “the best hospital in town.”
During Angelou’s time as a mother, she took her children to Owens Hospital for all of their checkups. At one point, she told an interviewer that she had worked at the hospital for a brief period of time when it was still in operation. She worked the front desk and felt taken care of by the staff who, she said, were all supportive and caring.
In its heyday, Owens Hospital provided medical care to some of St. Louis’s most famous African American citizens. Today, the building is still a landmark, located in the Ville neighborhood, and its rich history is remembered as a testament to the African American experience in the city. Though it is no longer a functioning medical facility, it is a vital part of St. Louis history – so much so that it is recognized as a National Historic Landmark.
Maya Angelou’s life was impacted by Owens Hospital in more ways than one. Not only was it the place of her birth, but it also served as a source of support and comfort for her family during her early years. Her memories of this special place are a reminder of the African American community’s resilience and strength in the face of adversity.
Innovations in Health Care
Owens Hospital was at the forefront of new advancements in health care during the early 20th century, particularly in its ability to provide quality care to African American patients. At a time when patients of color were often denied access to medical treatment, Owens Hospital provided specialized services that could not be found elsewhere. This included prenatal and delivery services, out-patient care, and general health care.
The hospital also pioneered the use of technology, introducing the innovative use of x-rays and a card-catalog system that was designed to help keep track of patient records. The hospital staff valued evidence-based medicine, making it a model for healthcare providers across the United States.
In addition to popularizing technological advancements in the healthcare field, Owens Hospital was also a leader in patient education. The hospital offered classes that focused on nutrition, health care, and the importance of preventive medicine. Their goal was to empower their patients with the knowledge and resources to make healthier lifestyle choices.
The staff at Owens Hospital worked diligently to provide an environment of safety for patients of color. This was particularly important for Maya Angelou, who spent much of her young life going to the hospital for check-ups and other needs. She later stated in interviews that she felt safe and loved by the hospital staff – a sentiment that many black Americans share today.
Health Care Access for African Americans
African Americans were often denied access to healthcare in the early 20th century due to segregation. At the time, there were few options for obtaining medical treatment and many African American patients were left to fend for themselves.
Owens Hospital provided a much-needed solution to this problem, offering quality medical care to African American patients. It broke down racial barriers, allowing patients to receive healthcare without fear of discrimination. In doing so, the hospital provided a safe, comforting environment for many African Americans in St. Louis.
Maya Angelou was one of many African Americans who benefited from Owens Hospital. She was able to receive unparalleled care and attention at the hospital, something that many people of color were not able to do in the early 20th century. She was also able to take her children to the hospital for check-ups, all while feeling safe and secure in the knowledge that she was receiving quality care.
Owens Hospital’s legacy of providing excellent healthcare to African Americans lives on today, and its impact can be seen in the success of many African American healthcare professionals. While it is no longer in operation, its legacy is remembered and honored as a reminder of the progress made and improvements to be made in healthcare.
Owens Hospital’s Legacy
Maya Angelou was born in Owens Hospital and spent much of her young life receiving care there. Though the hospital is no longer in operation, its legacy lives on today, and the African American experience in St. Louis has been enriched because of it.
Today, Owens Hospital is remembered for its role in breaking down racial barriers in healthcare. It provided quality care to African Americans, gave them access to medical treatment, and empowered them with knowledge. The hospital also helped pave the way for the development of advanced technologies in healthcare that are still in use today.
Though it is no longer open, the patients and staff of Owens Hospital have left a lasting legacy that lives on in Maya Angelou and many other African Americans. Its contributions to the health and well-being of its patients will never be forgotten.
Conclusion
Maya Angelou’s life was profoundly shaped by her experiences at Owens Hospital in St. Louis. From the moment she was born, the hospital provided a safe, supportive environment in which African Americans could receive quality care. It served as a source of comfort for her family during her early years, and it was a refuge that enabled her to access medical treatment without fear of discrimination. Through its groundbreaking achievements in health care, Owens Hospital has left an invaluable legacy that will continue to be recognized and remembered for years to come.
