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 231 Collections and/or Records:
Connecticut - Milford - Federation, 1960-1969
Correspondence regarding the Milford, Connecticut federation
Girls of the National Asthma Center, between 1970-1980
Growing up in Early Colorado: The Lives of Jewish Children, 2012
Brief biographies of Jewish men and women who grew up in Jewish communities in Colorado. Contains historical photographs and interviews with people describing their childhoods.
Indiana Pacers with Children of the National Asthma Center, between 1970-1980
John Kirkland Throws Frisbees at a Benefit for the National Asthma Center, between 1973-1978
Lila Edwards, of Portland , September 22,1954
One (1) 6x7 black and white photograph of Lila Edwards of Portland, Oregon. One (1) 8x10 black and white photgraph of Lila Edwards visiting the National Jewish Hospital and feeding children in a nursey. One (1) large format black and white negative of the photo.
Mary Diamond and Rhoda Mendelson and Chicago Group , July, 1953
Two (2) 8x10 black and white photographs. The first one is of Mrs. Mary Diamond president of Chicago Women's Divison of National Jewish Hospital and vice-president Mrs. Rhoda Mendelson. The second photograph is of the women and the medical director of the National Jewish Hospital Dr. Sidney H. Dressler and Mark S. Evander. Both photographs have a description. Three (3) large format black and white negatives of the photographs.
Mike Butts Discusses Throwing Frisbees with Patient Owen Ballweg, circa 1975
Mr. and Mrs. Finger, Houston TX, August, 1950
One (1) 8x10 black and white photograph Mr. and Mrs. Finger of Houston, Texas sitting with children who are eating. Two (2) large format black and white negatives of same photo.
Mr. and Mrs. Harold Falstein, August 23, 1954
One (1) 8x10 black and white photograph Mrs. Harold Falstein visits National Jewish Hospital and interacts with child eating. Four (4) large format black and white negatives. The first is of the same photo. The second is Mr. and Mrs. Falstein standing in front of plaque. The third is Mr. and Mrs. Falstein sitting in front of NJH. The fourth is Mrs. Falstein is in what appears to be a lab.