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National Jewish Hospital and Research Center/National Asthma Center (U.S.)

 Organization

Dates

  • Usage: 1978 - 1985

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 businesspeople 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 and Research Center/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.

The National Asthma Center (NAC) also existed under a series of names. It was founded in 1907 by Fannie Lorber as the Denver Sheltering Home for Jewish Children; from 1928-1952, it was called the National Home for Jewish Children in Denver; from 1953-1956, it was the Jewish National Home for Asthmatic Children in Denver; from 1957-1972, it was the Children's Asthma Research Institute and Hospital (CARIH); and from 1973-1977, it was the National Asthma Center. In 1978, it merged with the National Jewish Hospital to become the National Jewish Hospital and Research Center/National Asthma Center (1978-1985.) It evolved from sheltering home for tuberculosis "orphans" to become a residential treatment facility for children with intractable asthma and a research hospital.

Found in 64 Collections and/or Records:

Aerial View of National Asthma Center, between 1960-1969

 Item
Identifier: B063.03.0033.0016.00001
Abstract

Aerial view of the National Asthma Center at West 19th Avenue and Julian Street, part of Sloan's lake and the surrounding neighborhoods in Denver, Colorado in the 1960s. The National Asthma Center started as the Jewish Sheltering Home and later merged with the National Jewish Hospital.

Dates: between 1960-1969

Box 30, 1970-1980

 File — Box B005.01.0030: Series B005.01 [Barcode: U186020746579]
Identifier: B005.01.0030
Abstract

Correspondence related to miscellaneous contributions to NJH and buildings

Dates: 1970-1980

Box 32, 1972-1981

 File — Box B005.01.0032: Series B005.01 [Barcode: U186020746595]
Identifier: B005.01.0032
Abstract

Correspondence related to memorial tablets, 1980s

Dates: 1972-1981

Box 216 (Annual Dinners), 1949-1989

 File — Box B005.06.0216: Series B005.06 [Barcode: U186020757017]
Identifier: B005.06.0216
Abstract

Annual Dinner Journals, invitations and dinner related materials; audio reel of 1974 Diamond Jubilee Dinner honoring trustees

Dates: 1949-1989

Box 220 (Historical Information), 1900-1950

 File — Box B005.06.0220: Series B005.06 [Barcode: U186020757059]
Identifier: B005.06.0220
Abstract

Historical Information, Correspondence, David May background, Stationary from S. Pisko, Interviews.

Dates: 1900-1950

Boys Building Model Airplanes at the National Home for Jewish Children, after 1945

 Item
Identifier: B063.03.0011.00082
Abstract

Two unidentified boys building model airplanes. The boys were in the care of the National Home for Jewish Children at Denver, which later became part of the National Jewish Hospital.

Dates: after 1945

Children and their Pets at the National Home for Jewish Children at Denver, 1936

 Item
Identifier: B063.03.0011.00091
Abstract

Children at the National home for Jewish Children in Denver, Colorado with animals. From left to right is Isadore Gradsky, Louise Ziebart, Bunny Kortz, Jackie Lapin and Jakie Werls. Two chickens, a kitten and a puppy are being held by the children.

Dates: 1936

Children at the National Home for Jewish Children in Denver, 1947 February

 Item
Identifier: B063.03.0011.00080
Abstract

Two unidentified boys at the National Home for Jewish Children at Denver, which later became part of the National Jewish Hospital.

Dates: 1947 February

Children Eating at the National Home for Jewish Children in Denver, 1936

 Item
Identifier: B063.03.0011.00069
Abstract

Three unidentified children (the one on the left may be Jimmy Wren), eating at the National Home for Jewish Children at Denver, which later became part of the National Jewish Hospital.

Dates: 1936

Children Eating at the National Home for Jewish Children in Denver, between 1930-1960

 Item
Identifier: B063.03.0011.00073
Abstract

A group of children eating at the National Home for Jewish Children at Denver, which later became part of the National Jewish Hospital.

Dates: between 1930-1960