Dr. Ruth Temple was a leading figure in public health and focused most of her efforts on improving the lives of Black East Angelenos. In 1918, Temple became the first African American woman graduate of Loma Linda University in California. She went on to found the first medical clinic in Southeast Los Angeles. The community health clinic provided residents treatment for substance abuse, offered immunizations, and focused on teaching health literacy. In 1948, Ruth was appointed director of the Division of Public Health for the city of Los Angeles. A clinic in Los Angeles was named after her in 1983, honoring her legacy.