Mary E. Merritt

Mary Eliza Merritt (April 27, 1881 – 1953) was an American nurse who was the first African American to be licensed as nurse in Kentucky. Merritt was awarded the Mary Mahoney Medal for distinguished service in nursing from the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses in 1949. The Red Cross Hospital was the only place in Kentucky that African Americans could be trained as a nurse until 1937.

After completing her primary schooling, at age 12, Merritt attended Berea College and obtained credentials to teach school. She was the first African American to work as a registered nurse in Kentucky. The Red Cross Hospital was the only place in Kentucky that African American's could be trained as a nurse until 1937.

Merritt spent most of her career as a nurse educator at the Red Cross Hospital where most African Nurses in Kentucky received their training. She was the Superintendent of nursing from 1914 to 1945. Merritt retired in 1945.

World War I

At the start of World War I, African American nurses were excluded from volunteering because of their race. After the pandemic "Spanish flu" occurred in 1918, African American soldiers were treated at Camp Taylor in Louisville. African American nurses, including Merritt, were hired to care for these soldiers. Merritt was awarded a certificate of merit by United States President Woodrow Wilson for her work during World War I at Camp Taylor.

Later life, recognition, and death Merritt retired in 1945. She died in Louisville in 1953.

The Merritt Building at Central State Hospital is named for Merritt. Merritt was inducted into the Kentucky Hall of Fame.