National Jewish Hospital (U.S.)
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 9 Collections and/or Records:
Children Playing at National Jewish Hospital, 1982 June 27
Group of unidentified children playing outside of National Jewish Hospital in Denver, Colorado. National Jewish Hospital is located on the corner of Colfax Avenue and Colorado Boulevard. This photograph was taken during the Rocky Mountain Jewish Historical Society's Historic Denver Tour in 1982.
Classroom at National Jewish Hospital, 1961
A group of children in one of the classrooms at National Jewish Hospital in Denver, Colorado. Teachers were provided by the Denver Public School System and young patients were able to complete all grade and high school requirements while admitted to the hospital.
Tuberculosis Patient Receiving Physical Therapy, 1961
A young girl receiving physical therapy at National Jewish Hospital in Denver, Colorado. The girl is recovering from tuberculosis which may have had a role in the difference of her leg lengths.
Variety of Prints from Irving Poznick, between 1946-1948
Various photographs belonging to Irving Poznick, who was a resident of National Jewish Hospital from 1946-1948. Pictured are Irving Poznick and Leon Levy, among other unidentified children.
Variety of Prints from Irving Poznick, between 1946-1948
Various photographs belonging to Irving Poznick, who was a resident of National Jewish Hospital from 1946-1948. Pictured are Irving Poznick and Barry Zukerman.
Variety of Prints from Irving Poznick, between 1946-1948
Various photographs belonging to Irving Poznick, who was a resident of National Jewish Hospital from 1946-1948.
Variety of Prints from Irving Poznick, between 1946-1948
Various photographs belonging to Irving Poznick, who was a resident of National Jewish Hospital from 1946-1948. In this set of images the cook and the nurse of the hospital are pictured, along with Irving Poznick and his friends at the hospital.
Variety of Prints from Irving Poznick, between 1946-1948
Various photographs belonging to Irving Poznick, who was a resident of National Jewish Hospital from 1946-1948. In this set Irving Poznick is pictured with his friends at the hospital.
Young Children Playing with a Stethoscope, 1961
Two young children playing with a stethoscope at National Jewish Hospital. The children were photographed after having heart surgery at the hospital.