"Gray Ladies" of the Upstate

As the Red Cross organization, and this chapter, grows and changes, it is important to remember our history. Even though the organization may change as it progresses, this article is reflective of our constant, long-standing commitment to the Upstate community and its health and welfare-a factor that will never change.

In 1919, the Upstate Red Cross pioneered the field of public health nursing by becoming the first to employ registered nurses (RNs) to teach home hygiene and maternity care. This eventually led to the formation of the Greenville City and County Health Departments and positioned the Upstate Red Cross Chapter in partnership with the city of Greenville and an important influence in the development of city services.

During the 1930s, Upstate Red Cross nurses led nutrition instructional programs in the schools, which was the forerunner of the School Lunch Program. Following the national mandate to create a cadre of hospital volunteers, in 1941, the Gray Lady Service was organized to serve the Greenville Army Air Base Hospital. By 1950, the Upstate Gray Ladies were serving in local civilian hospitals and institutions. The first Greenville County unit was formed at Allen Bennett Hospital. In the 1960s, Upstate nursing volunteers began to work in school health rooms; by 1970, Upstate Chapter volunteers served in 55 local school health rooms; and by the mid-1970s, blood pressure screenings were in full force at locations throughout the county. Through those placements, the Upstate Chapter could target young persons for blood pressure screenings with its award winning Student Hypertension and Risk Reduction Program (SHARRP) targeted.

In a similar growth pattern, the Red Cross nursing program—another historical national organization flagship program—has changed its focus in the Greenville community. Today, the Upstate Red Cross nurses help ease the shortage of qualified health care professionals in the Greenville community through its Vocational Health Care Training program.