Saving Stella

Notes from a Nurse Turned Legislator

Shirley Nathan-Pulliam, Sir George Allely

• Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press
• Year: 2024
• eBook ISBN: 9781421448879
• Edition: 0
• Topic: Medicine
• Subtopic: Health Policy

The compelling autobiography of a nurse–turned–state senator determined to make health care equitable and available for all.

From her childhood in Jamaica to her early days in nursing and, eventually, to her entry into politics, Shirley Nathan-Pulliam has exemplified what it means to translate principles and values into action through legislation and advocacy. Saving Stella takes readers on her personal and political journey by highlighting the injustices faced by Stella, a woman diagnosed with breast cancer. The experience of helping Stella–a woman whose position in society denied her timely diagnosis and treatment for her breast cancer—inspired much of Nathan-Pulliam's professional path. Her gripping accounts of political battles, strategic alliances, and landmark bills provide insight into the art of governance and politics and the power of courage, perseverance, and remarkable compassion in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.

Nathan-Pulliam's passion to ensure a future where people like Stella can get the care they need drives her tireless efforts to address health disparities and fight for meaningful change. Saving Stella is a poignant and thought-provoking autobiography that sheds light on the complex realities of health care and the profound impact of policy decisions. It is a testament to one woman's determination to make a difference and create a more equitable and compassionate health care system for all.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Dedication
• Epigraph
• Contents
• Foreword
• Acknowledgments
• Introduction. Meeting Stella
• Part I. The Early Years
• Part II. Community Activism
• Part III. Key Legislative Initiatives: Health Disparities
• Notes
• Index