Dorothea Dix was a prominent 19th-century reformer known for her efforts to improve the treatment of the mentally ill in the United States. Born in 1802 in Maine, she experienced a challenging childhood that shaped her compassion for those suffering from mental illnesses. Her work began in the 1840s when she visited jails and asylums, exposing the horrific conditions and advocating for better care. Dix's tireless campaigning led to significant legislative changes and the...