Celebrating Women’s History Month

Women’s History Month is a time to reflect on the contributions — past and present — of women across our nation and the globe. From science to politics to commerce, it’s a chance to reflect on the women who led and lead the way for change. As a ministry founded by women, this observance has special significance for CommonSpirit Health.

It’s also important for CHI St. Vincent as two groups of Sisters were the ones at the helm and at the bedside at both St. Vincent Infirmary in Little Rock and St. Joseph’s Infirmary in Hot Springs when they opened in 1888.

In 1925, the Benedictine Sisters at St. Scholastica Monastery in Ft. Smith established St. Anthony’s Hospital in Morrilton which is now CHI St. Vincent Morrilton.

Women’s History Month began on March 7, 1982, as Women’s History Week to acknowledge women’s contributions to American society. In 1987, Congress passed the first joint resolution to designate March as Women’s History Month, which includes International Women’s Day, celebrated globally on March 8.

Resources to Learn More and Celebrate Women’s History Month:

  • View our informative fact sheet for key information about women across America, historic healers, and a health equity focus on how the health of American women has improved in a number of areas while suffering in others.
  • We have created a Zoom virtual background virtual background to commemorate the month that can be easily added — no download needed. Simply open Zoom, select the settings gear in the upper right corner, and select Background and Filters. There you will find virtual backgrounds, including the Women’s History Month background. (Note: You may need to reboot your computer to see the latest virtual background additions. Instructions are also available to load the background manually.)
  • Enjoy resources from the Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. These include exhibits, videos, images and more.