DENVER — She was denied access to local hospitals because she was black and because she was a woman. Instead, Dr. Justina Ford treated patients at her home office.
Dr. Ford was Colorado’s first black woman doctor and according to Denver Public Library, she remained the only such physician in Denver until her death.
She earned her medical license in Chicago but was denied her membership to the Colorado Medical Society.
"The medical examiner said I hate to take your five dollars because you have two strikes against you, you’re a woman and you’re colored," said Black American West Museum and Heritage Center volunteer Terri Gentry.
Because she was not a member of the Colorado Medical Society, Dr. Ford was not allowed to work in hospitals.
“Her examining room was the dining room," explained Gentry. "She really, really made an impact on our community.”
Dr. Ford filled two voids in the Five Points community, helping families who couldn’t afford hospital fees and giving rides to families who needed help right away.
Joseph Martinez is one of the more than 7,000 babies Dr. Ford delivered in her 50-year medical career.
“Justina Ford couldn’t practice in the hospital and we didn’t have the money to be at the hospital at the time,” he explained.
Dr. Ford continually wrote letters and requested membership to the Colorado Medical Society. Finally, on January 1950 Gentry says Dr. Ford was granted her membership. It happened two years before she died.
“This lady went through all this trouble and her issues that she had at that time and still managed to deliver me* and here I am today to testify for her,” said Martinez.
Dr. Ford's home off 3091 California St. in Denver, is now in the running for a 2-million-dollar grant for preservation efforts. The competition is put on by National Geographic. Of the 20 finalists, Dr. Ford's home is the only entry from Colorado.
You can vote daily, through October 29th. Click here for the link to vote.