Kathleen Eidson

In an interview for the Fall 2009 GHA Newsletter:

Kathleen Eidson, who celebrated Her 90th Birthday in September 2009, has been involved with Global Health Action from the very beginning.

Kathleen Eidson was born in Coffeeville, Alabama, the youngest of 10 children. The family moved to Georgia, and she graduated in 1935 from Atlanta Girls High. She got a job as a bookkeeper at 16 and has been a "numbers cruncher" all her life. During World War II, she served in the U.S. Marine Corps Women's Reserve (and still attends the bi-annual national Convention of the Women Marines Association). She worked for Lathem Time Corporation for 37 years, retiring as Chief Financial Officer in 1983, "from work, but not from life." She is a world-traveler (more than 40 countries at last count, including a trip to Zambia's Victoria Falls as recently as three years ago), proud marine, tireless volunteer, and uniquely-creative songwriter. Although she never married, she has a host of beloved nieces and nephews.

How did you first get involved with GHA?
Well, of course, it was INSA back then. I had three nieces who were recent graduates of the Emory School of Nursing, so I knew of Ada Fort and Virginia Proctor [GHA's founders], and also kept up with the school's activities. INSA was very tied to the School of Nursing in the early years. And, also as a United Methodist Woman, I knew that the organization got its first funding though the UMW jurisdictional meeting. I was involved all the way back. For the first INSA graduating class, I brought cupcakes iced in blue and gold, which are Emory's colors.

What have you done with GHA over the years?
I've been on the Board, active or emerita, for more than 30 years. I was the Board Treasurer for a number of years. Norman Paschall, and then Claude Grizzard, were the Chairs in those days. I'm sure I'm the only Treasurer who ever sang her Budget report: "B is for … ; U is for …" I've also travelled as a representative of GHA to India, Nepal, Thailand, Haiti, and other countries. One time in Haiti, I found myself presenting the diplomas to the graduating class of community health workers, using my barely-remembered high school French.

What's your favorite memory of your involvement with GHA?
I have many fond memories of the people and places and activities. One of my favorites was being awarded the one-and-only Golden Faucet Award from GHA. I received it at the same banquet where I was being honored by the Governor as one of the 10 district volunteers of the year [1984-85] in the State of Georgia. Frances [Candler Shumway, GHA Board President Emerita] and I had had quite an adventure on our recent trip to India [starting with being put up in the men's seminary and ending with a plumbing disaster in the middle of the night]. The plaque says, "She makes a splash wherever she goes" - it's a good story and it really was an honor to be recognized by GHA, even more so than by Governor Harris.

Do you have a favorite country to visit from your travels?
Of the GHA countries, India is special, for the variety of regions, the friendliness of the people, the wonderful memories, and the opportunity to see first-hand all the good that has resulted from GHA's work there.

From your perspective, what does GHA do?
For more than 35 years, GHA has made a difference in the lives of people and communities around the world - In people's understanding of the day-by-day importance of healthy living. In helping communities use their own resources and build on their own strengths. In helping individuals appreciate their own worth and live a better life and provide a better life for those to come - There's a ripple effect from the people trained by GHA. They are reaching others in ways large and small, known and unknown.

Any final thoughts, comments you'd like to share?
GHA is and has been an important part of my life, and I believe with all my heart in what they do.

Kathleen is truly one of a kind. GHA has been blessed to have her friendship, support, creativity, and belief for 37 years, and we look forward to many more. Happy Birthday, Kathleen! We love you!