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Meet the first Black nurse to integrate the public health system in Mecklenburg County

In 1962, Thereasea Clark Elder became the first Black nurse to integrate the public health system in Mecklenburg County.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — All this month WCNC Charlotte is celebrating Black History Month by highlighting historical people and places in Charlotte and the Carolinas.

Today we are honoring a pioneer in the medical field.

In 1962, Thereasea Clark Elder became the first Black nurse to integrate the public health system in Mecklenburg County.

She got her training in the US Cadet nursing program.

Despite facing many obstacles, Elder's nursing career spanned nearly 50 years before she retired in 1989.

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To learn more, go to our Black History Month page on the WCNC Charlotte website and or mobile app.

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