She was one of the first six American recipients of the Florence Nightingale Medal, awarded by the International Committee of the Red Cross in 1920.

During World War I, Meirs went to Kiev with the American Red Cross in 1914,[5] but joined the United States Army Nurse Corps in 1916.

While waiting in Paris for transport home, she baked 176 apple pies for her patients to enjoy on Christmas Eve after the Armistice.

[3] A 1921 report commented on her war years, "She was the kind of person to inspire soldier patients with awe, admiration, and affection.

"[6] In 1920 she was one of the first six American nurses to receive the Florence Nightingale Medal from the International Committee of the Red Cross.