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National Jewish Health (U.S.)

 Organization

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 1395 Collections and/or Records:

Report on Controls, 1950-1960

 File
Identifier: B005.01.0014.0034
Abstract

report on controls - capital equipment, expendable supplies, mail handling and cash receipts

Dates: 1950-1960

Report on the Examination of Financial Statements and Additional Information, 1976-1980

 File
Identifier: B005.01.0038.0013
Abstract

Correspondence to and from Richard Bluestein regarding the investment board for the U.S. Trust

Dates: 1976-1980

Reports, 1950-1960

 File
Identifier: B005.01.0014.0043
Abstract

Report on controls, report on assistant superintendent Sol Abraham, report on housekeeping department, report on dietary department, etc.

Dates: 1950-1960

Reports on the Examination of Financial Statements and Additional Information, 1970

 File
Identifier: B005.01.0041.0003
Abstract

Correspondence related to John Quarton, Administrator of NJH, regarding the report on examination of financial statements

Dates: 1970

Requisitions (General), 1971-1972

 File
Identifier: B005.01.0026.0067
Abstract

NJH general requisitions

Dates: 1971-1972

Research and Education, 1997-2008

 File
Identifier: B005.05.0306.0015
Abstract

File contains brochures on medical reasearch and patient education.

Dates: 1997-2008

Research Fellowship Society, 1965-1968

 File
Identifier: B005.01.0024.0019
Abstract

Correspondence related to the Research Fellowship Society

Dates: 1965-1968

Research Laboratory Dedication, 1969 September 28

 File
Identifier: B005.01.0023.0013
Abstract

Correspondence related to the Research Laboratory dedication

Dates: 1969 September 28

Respiratory Diseases, 1986-2008

 File
Identifier: B005.05.0306.0016
Abstract

The file contains brochures on treatment of respiratory diseases and occupational and environmental health services, including brochures on black lung and the Miners Clinic of Colorado. It also contains three newsletters, "Breathing Easy," of the Senior Respiratory Network.

Dates: 1986-2008

Rhode Island, 1970

 File
Identifier: B005.01.0029.0017
Abstract

Correspondence related to federations in Rhode Island

Dates: 1970