Defense Date

2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

History

First Advisor

Karen Rader

Second Advisor

Brian Daugherity

Third Advisor

Carmen Foster

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) was a major public health concern in the United States, especially in the first half of the twentieth century. Transmission and treatment of the disease, which is spread between humans through close contact, was complicated by racial segregation laws in the South known as Jim Crow laws. Virginia subscribed to these laws, which played a role in how and where Black Virginians with TB could be treated. Segregated treatment facilities with an inadequate number of beds for the number of infected people and deaths in the state added to these complications of disease control and plan for eradication. This thesis explores the facilities, treatments, nursing schools, and community organizations that played pivotal roles in Virginia’s TB history prior to the Civil Right Act of 1964, drawing comparison from neighboring states. It also discusses the impact of segregation on the Black community and barriers to healthcare, but draws attention to those who worked beyond the barriers in order to achieve a more equitable healthcare system.

Rights

© Elizabeth M. Dooley

Is Part Of

VCU University Archives

Is Part Of

VCU Theses and Dissertations

Date of Submission

5-7-2026

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