Women’s History Month—Council honors Dr. Velma Scantlebury-White

WILMINGTON—The Wilmington City Council recognizes March as Women’s History Month, paying special tribute to Dr. Velma Scantlebury-White, the first Black female organ transplant surgeon.

In 1987 Congress passed a resolution authorizing the President to proclaim March of each year as Women’s History Month.

“This year’s theme is moving forward together, educating and inspiring generations, it is a commitment to the goals of education, empowerment, equality and inclusion,” said Council member Yolanda McCoy.

Dr Scantlebury-White became the nation’s first female organ transplant surgeon in 1989. She has since performed more than 2,000 kidney and liver transplants.

Earning numerous accolades throughout her career, including the Order of Barbados Gold Crown of Merit and the National Kidney Foundation’s Gift of Life award. She has been repeatedly featured on the “Best Doctors in America” and “Top Doctors in America” lists.

“Dr. Velma Scantlebury-White has upheld a commitment to professional excellence and mentorship throughout her career,” McCoy said.

She is also an Adjunct Professor of Surgery at Dartmouth’s Geisel School of Medicine, co-leads the Race and Health Equity Curriculum, and consults for the Dialysis Patient Citizens Education Center.

Currently, she serves as Chief Medical Officer and Co-Founder of the Delaware Health Equity Coalition, working to provide healthcare to underserved communities in Wilmington.

“As we pay homage to the woman who have shaped our world, we would like to give special appreciation to Dr. Velma Scantlebury-White for her leadership, her service to the community, and her dedication to empowering countless women to move forward together.”

Dr. Scantlebury-White expressed her gratitude to the council and highlighted her continued efforts with the Delaware Health Equity Coalition to improve healthcare access and outcomes.

“Our goal is really to make an impact on the disparities in healthcare, especially within the 19801 and 19802 zip codes,” ” Dr. Velma Scantlebury-White said.

The health coalition has been opened for two years,  and now has over 1,000 patients.

“We hope to continue to provide compassionate, comprehensive care to our underserved residents here in Wilmington.”