Aaron Shirley facts for kids
Aaron Shirley (January 3, 1933 – November 26, 2014) was an American doctor and civil rights activist. He worked hard to bring medical care to people who needed it most, especially in rural areas of Mississippi.
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Early Life and Education
Aaron Shirley was born in Gluckstadt, Mississippi, in 1933. He went to Tougaloo College for his undergraduate studies. Later, he attended Meharry Medical College to become a doctor.
In 1965, Dr. Blair E. Batson offered him a special position. This made Dr. Shirley the first African-American student to join the residency program at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC). For many years, he was the only Black pediatrician in the entire state of Mississippi.
A Doctor for Everyone
Dr. Shirley was known for his dedication to helping others. He traveled across the countryside to care for sick babies. He also helped install wells to provide clean drinking water for communities.
He was very protective of his family. When he heard about threats, he made sure his family was safe.
Dr. Shirley was married to Ollye Shirley. They had four children together.
Helping the Community
In 1970, Dr. Shirley helped start the Jackson-Hinds Comprehensive Health Center. This center became the largest Federal Qualified Community Health Center in Mississippi. Its main goal was to provide medical care to people who didn't have easy access to it.
In 2010, he created the HealthConnect program. This program sends doctors and nurses directly to homes in poor rural areas. The idea was to help people get care at home. This prevented them from needing to go to the emergency room unnecessarily.
Legacy and Honors
Dr. Aaron Shirley passed away in Jackson, Mississippi, on November 26, 2014. He was 81 years old.
After his death, Governor Phil Bryant declared December 6, 2014, as "Dr. Aaron Shirley Day" in Mississippi. The Jackson City Council also honored him. They presented his family with an American flag that had flown over the White House. This flag was sent by President Barack Obama and U.S. Representative Bennie Thompson.
Awards
- 2013 American Association of Clinical Endocrinology. AACE Outstanding Service Award for Promotion of Endocrine Health of an Underserved Population.
- 2013 Citizen Diplomat Award
- 2009 Governor's Initiative for Volunteer Excellence Award
- 2007 Mississippi Majesty Honoree
- 1993 MacArthur Fellows Program
