PHSC Celebrates its 50th Anniversary and Black History Month: Hospitals for Black Americans

In segregated Tampa, there were two main options for Black citizens to receive medical care: The Lily White Hospital and Clara Frye Hospital. 

• The Lily White Benefit Association was a mutual aid society in Florida and Georgia that provided member benefits including birth, health care, and burial assistance. It also sponsored a hospital, nursing home, and housing initiatives for Black residents. ​

• The Lily White Hospital was open from 1948-1971.​

• In 1908 nurse Clara Frye established a small hospital in her own home. She eventually was able to open the Clara Frye hospital in a larger location in 1923.​

• No patient was ever turned away for inability to pay, but the financial situation was difficult, and the city purchased her hospital in 1928, taking over operation. ​

• Navigating the segregated hospital system was difficult, as these community hospitals were not as well equipped as white hospitals.​

Adams, John Henry. “The Clara Frye Hospital,” The Negro Blue Book of Tampa, 1925. 1925, p. 26 & 47. https://digitalcollections.hcplc.org/digital/collection/p16054coll5/id/486/rec/1​

Glamsch, Panky. “Funerals Honor Black Members,” Tampa Tribune. 10 Oct 1974, p. 57. https://www.newspapers.com/clip/33468469/tampa-tribune-10-october-1974-lily-white/ ​

Historical Monument Trail Selection Committee, Friends of the Riverwalk, “Clara C. Frye,” 2022.  https://thetampariverwalk.com/visit/historical-monument-trail.html/title/clara-c-frye ​

Walker, Linda and Elder Isaac Whitehurst. “Elder Isaac Whitehurst interview by Linda Walker,” April 10, 2014, 22:50, https://digitalcollections.hcplc.org/digital/collection/p16054coll5/id/190/rec/2 ​