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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 398 Collections and/or Records:

Patient Distribution Map, 1949

 Item
Identifier: B063.03.0036.00047
Abstract

Map of the United States with numbers in each state of the number of patients from that state. In the middle is a photograph of a nurse with three children, one in a wheelchair, in front of the B'nai B'rith Building.

Dates: 1949

Patient Operating a Drill Press, 1961

 Item
Identifier: B063.03.0003.00014
Abstract

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.

Dates: 1961

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

Physicians Training at National Jewish Hospital, 1961

 Item
Identifier: B063.03.0003.00015
Abstract

A group of unidentified physicians receiving training at National Jewish Hospital. One physician appears to be leading the training and is standing in the front of the room examining chest x-rays.

Dates: 1961

Plaque for Frances Wisebart Jacobs Statue, circa 1987

 Item
Identifier: B063.08.0039.00052
Abstract

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'''.

Dates: circa 1987

Playground at Hofheimer Children's Building, between 1899-1920

 Item
Identifier: B063.03.0036.00049
Abstract

Eight images of children playing on the playground at the Hofheimer Children's Building at National Jewish Hospital.

Dates: between 1899-1920

Portrait of Dr. Robert Levy, between 1930-1939

 Item
Identifier: B063.03.0031.0003.00001
Abstract Formal portrait of Dr. Robert Levy. Dr. Robert Levy came to Denver in 1879 as a student at the University of Denver. He started practicing medicine in Denver in 1884 after training at Bellevue Hospital. He was an organizer, in 1890, of the Jewish Hospital Association of Denver, which later became National Jewish Hospital. Dr. Levy was a longtime board member of National Jewish and was chairman of the Medical Advisory Board. He was also instrumental in the organization of Denver Clinical...
Dates: between 1930-1939

Portrait of Dr. Robert Levy, between 1930-1939

 Item
Identifier: B063.03.0011.00010
Abstract Formal portrait of Dr. Robert Levy. Dr. Robert Levy came to Denver in 1879 as a student at the University of Denver. He started practicing medicine in Denver in 1884 after training at Bellevue Hospital. He was an organizer, in 1890, of the Jewish Hospital Association of Denver, which later became National Jewish Hospital. Dr. Levy was a longtime board member of National Jewish and was chairman of the Medical Advisory Board. He was also instrumental in the organization of Denver Clinical...
Dates: between 1930-1939

PR Booklets, between 1950-1980

 File
Identifier: B005.06.0185.0012
Scope and Contents

Publicity booklets for National Jewish Hospital.

Dates: between 1950-1980