Skip to main content

National Jewish Hospital (U.S.)

 Organization

Dates

  • Usage: 1926 - 1964

Biography

In the late nineteenth century, Denver, Colorado, faced a severe social problem when hundreds of people severely ill with tuberculosis converged on the city, attracted by the reputation Denver had already acquired as the "world's sanatorium." Because of the onslaught of consumptives, beds for patients in city and state general hospitals were so scarce that the poor were frequently left to their own devices, often dying in the streets. One of the first people to conceive of a free hospital for the indigent tuberculosis victims in Denver was Frances Wisebart Jacobs. She launched a relentless campaign to arouse public awareness on behalf of the indigent consumptives, seeking the support of business people and political leaders to raise funds for a new hospital. Jacobs found an ally in a young rabbi, William Sterne Friedman. Rabbi Friedman enlisted the financial support of some of the trustees of his congregation, Temple Emanuel, insisting that concern for the sick and indigent had always been a vital tenet of Jewish tradition. The original hospital, the Frances Jacobs Hospital, was not completed because of the silver panic of 1893. The hospital received financial assistance from the International Order of B'nai B'rith. This vital support came mainly through the efforts of Louis Anfenger, a local Jewish citizen who was also a founder of both Temple Emanuel and the Denver chapter of B'nai B'rith. National Jewish Hospital for Consumptives (NJH) opened its doors to Jews and gentiles alike in 1899 as the first sanatorium in Denver for tuberculosis victims. Samuel Grabfelder of Louisville, Kentucky served as president from 1899-1920; Seraphine Pisko was executive secretary (Director) from 1911-1938. Some of the physicians associated with the hospital included Dr. Saling Simon, Dr. Robert Levy, and Dr. John Elsner. The NJH adopted a program that emphasized the benefits of fresh air, proper nutrition, and rest.

As a result of national support, NJH introduced a revolutionary concept to tuberculosis treatment by offering free services to indigent consumptives. The motto was, "None can pay who enter, and None who enter can pay." Only patients with incipient tuberculosis, where treatment could be most effective, were to be admitted to NJH, and the length of stay was limited to six months. These conditions reflect the medical opinion of the time and the scarcity of hospital beds for consumptives. It was commonly thought that attempting to treat advanced cases only wasted time and money that could be more profitably directed toward patients who had a good chance of recovery. National Jewish Hospital for Consumptives changed its name several times, subsequently being known as National Jewish Hospital (1925-1964) and later becoming National Jewish Hospital and Research Center (1965-1977), National Jewish Hospital/National Asthma Center (after merging with National Asthma Center in 1978), and National Jewish Center for Immunology and Respiratory Medicine (1986-1996). In 1997, the organization changed its name to the National Jewish Medical and Research Center and focused on lung, allergic and immune diseases. It was renamed National Jewish Health in July 2008. The facility continues to treat patients from throughout the country, using cutting-edge medicine and research.

Found in 6 Collections and/or Records:

Dignitaries of National Jewish Hospital, between 1920-1930

 Item
Identifier: B063.03.0019.00058
Abstract

Dignitaries of National Jewish Hospital in Denver, Colorado. National Jewish Hospital is located on the corner of Colfax Avenue and Colorado Boulevard. Pictured are Mayor Stapleton, Governor Sweet, Seraphine Pisko, Rabbi William Friedman and Judge Ben Lindsey.

Dates: between 1920-1930

Exterior of the First National Jewish Hospital Building, between 1899-1902

 Item
Identifier: B063.03.0036.00057
Abstract

Exterior of the first building on the campus of National Jewish Hospital. This building was known as the Frances Jacobs Hospital and was founded in 1899. In 1907, the name of the hospital changed to the National Asthma Center. It later became the Children's Asthma Research Institute and Hospital, National Jewish Hospital/National Asthma Center (1978), and National Jewish Center for Immunology and Respiratory Medicine (1985).

Dates: between 1899-1902

National Jewish Hospital, between 1900-1930

 Item
Identifier: B063.03.0019.00083
Abstract

Three buildings of National Jewish Hospital can be seen across a road. The largest building has a banner which says "National Jewish Hospital for Consumptives."

Dates: between 1900-1930

National Jewish Hospital's Board of Trustees, between 1920-1940

 Item
Identifier: B063.03.0003.00007
Abstract Portrait of National Jewish Hospital's Board of Trustees stands on steps of an unidentified building, which was probably located on the hospital's campus. First row left to right: M. D. Barnett, Rabbi William Friedman, two unidentified men, and Dr. Robert Levy. Second row left to right: Sam Cohen, Ernest Morris, Sam Grimes, Sam Fleisher, and Arthur Friedman. Row 3 left to right: Michael Baum, three unidentified men, and Morris Cohen. Row 4 left to right: Dr. Adelman, an unidentified man,...
Dates: between 1920-1940

Patients Completing Needlework at National Jewish Hospital, circa 1915

 Item
Identifier: B063.03.0019.00014
Abstract

Copy photograph of unidentified female patients completing needlework and crafts as part of a rehabilitation program at National Jewish Hospital in Denver Colorado. Photo is printed in reverse.

Dates: circa 1915

Patients Outside at National Jewish Hospital, circa 1915

 Item
Identifier: B063.03.0019.00013
Abstract

Copy photograph of unidentified patients laying outside in the open air at National Jewish Hospital in Denver Colorado. Photo is printed reversed.

Dates: circa 1915