Florence Nightingale, born on 12 May 1820, was an English social reformer and statistician, and the founder of modern nursing. Nightingale came to prominence while serving as a manager and trainer of nurses during the Crimean War, in which she organised care for wounded soldiers
National Hospital Day is observed annually on May 12 and aims to educate
the public about medical examinations and treatments. Officially
declared by former U.S. President Warren G. Harding, the holiday was
observed for the first time on May 12, 1921. The idea was conceived by
Matthew O. Foley, a Chicago-based editor, as a way to reawaken public
trust and confidence in the medical sector in the aftermath of the
deadly Spanish Flu, which claimed millions of lives. May 12 was chosen
as the date to commemorate the birthday of Florence Nightingale, known
as the founder of modern nursing.
Minna Canth (19 March 1844 – 12 May 1897) was a Finnish writer and social activist. She is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in Finnish literature and is celebrated as a champion of women’s rights and social justice.
Canth was also a prominent social activist, and she used her writing to promote social reform. She was particularly concerned with the rights of women and the poor, and she used her position as a writer to advocate for their rights. She was involved in a number of social organizations, including the Finnish Women’s Association, and she campaigned for better working conditions and improved education for women.
Canth died on 12 May 1897 at the age of 53, leaving behind a legacy as one of Finland’s most important writers and social activists. Her work continues to be studied and celebrated today, and she is remembered as a pioneer in the fight for women’s rights and social justice in Finland.
Katharine Hepburn (12 May 1907 – 29 June 2003), indomitable American stage and film actress, known as a spirited performer with a touch of eccentricity. She introduced into her roles a strength of character previously considered to be undesirable in Hollywood leading ladies. She was born on 12 May 1907.
International Nurses Day (IND) is an international day observed around the world on 12 May (the anniversary of Florence Nightingale's birth) each year, to mark the contributions that nurses make to society.
