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 13 Collections and/or Records:
Bronze Statue of Frances Wisebart Jacobs, circa 1987
Bronze statue is an artist's rendering of Frances Wisebart Jacobs holding her bag of soaps and medicines. The plaque affixed to the base of statue explains Jacob's ties with National Jewish Hospital, which was founded in her memory. The statue is located in the National Jewish Center, Denver, Colo.
Bronze Statue of Frances Wisebart Jacobs, circa 1987
Bronze statue is an artist's rendering of Frances Wisebart Jacobs holding her bag of soaps and medicines. The plaque affixed to the base of statue explains Jacob's ties with National Jewish Hospital, which was founded in her memory. The statue is located in the National Jewish Center, Denver, Colo.
Invitation to Dedications and Banquet, 1922 June 23
Members of the Rocky Mountain Jewish Historical Society at National Jewish Hospital, 1982 June 27
Group of unidentified members of the Rocky Mountain Jewish Historical Society standing 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.
Members of the Rocky Mountain Jewish Historical Society at National Jewish Hospital, 1982 June 27
Group of unidentified members of the Rocky Mountain Jewish Historical Society standing inside 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.
Members of the Rocky Mountain Jewish Historical Society at National Jewish Hospital, 1982 June 27
Group of unidentified members of the Rocky Mountain Jewish Historical Society standing 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.
Members of the Rocky Mountain Jewish Historical Society at National Jewish Hospital, 1982 June 27
Group of unidentified members of the Rocky Mountain Jewish Historical Society standing 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.
National Jewish Hospital Records
Patient Operating a Drill Press, 1961
An unidentified woman operating a drill press while making a lamp base as part of National Jewish Hospital's Vocational Rehabilitation program. The program was part of the Occupational Therapy Department at the hospital.
Plaque for Frances Wisebart Jacobs Statue, circa 1987
Metal plaque mounted on wood and engraved with ''Frances Wisebart Jacobs; After her death in 1892, the Frances Jacobs Hospital was erected on this site. It was the forerunner of the present institution, and was established through the love and gratitude of the people of Denver to memorialized a noble pioneer, Denver's 'Mother of Charities'''.