Benjamin Rush was an American physician, educator, and patriot, born on December 24, 1745 (new style date: January 4, 1746), in Byberry, Pennsylvania. He was a signer of the Declaration of Independence and a prominent advocate for public health, medical education, and social reform. Rush helped establish the first free medical clinic in the United States and promoted the study of mental health. He was also a strong supporter of education and the abolition of slavery. Benjamin Rush died on April 19, 1813.