Colorado Times Recorder– The young Black woman doctor came to Denver eager to practice medicine in 1902, but authorities refused to recognize Dr. Justina Ford or give her privileges at the city’s hospital.

That didn’t stop Ford.

For 50 years, she treated patients in her home, paid house calls to immigrants, people of color and other underserved patients, and delivered more than 7,000 babies, leaving a remarkable legacy.

And year after year, Ford kept fighting for long-overdue recognition from the medical establishment. Officials with the Colorado Medical Society finally recognized Ford in 1950, two years before she died in 1952 at age 81.

When Dr. Jacqueline Ward-Gaines thinks about Ford, she is absolutely awestruck.

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DENVER (CBS4)– Dr. Justina Ford, Denver’s first licensed Black female doctor, was honored for her accomplishments Friday. Governor Jared Polis declared January 22, Dr. Justina Ford Day. The Black American West Museum & Heritage Center celebrated Ford with a virtual event joined by former patients.

Some of the root causes stem from the history of this country and health care. Just like anything, when you build something and add other pieces in afterwards, they never fit just right,” said Dr. Jacqueline Ward-Gaines.

Ward-Gaines is the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Educational Lead at the University of Colorado Department of Emergency Medicine. She says the health disparities between Black and White Americans are rooted in centuries of racism.

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