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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:

Box 40, 1970-1980

 File — Box B005.01.0040: Series B005.01 [Barcode: U186020746676]
Identifier: B005.01.0040
Abstract

Bluestein Correspondence

Dates: 1970-1980

Box 41, 1970

 File — Box B005.01.0041: Series B005.01 [Barcode: U186020746684]
Identifier: B005.01.0041
Abstract

John Quarton, NJH administrator: Correspondence.

Dates: 1970

Box 42, 1909-1927

 File — Box B005.02.0042: Series B005.02 [Barcode: U186020746692]
Identifier: B005.02.0042
Abstract

Medical Statistics Ledgers - 14 books- circa May 1909-1922. 1 book - Bills- Medical Director's Ofc. June 30 1926 - June 30 1927.

Dates: 1909-1927

Box 43, 1920-1930

 File — Box B005.02.0043: Series B005.02 [Barcode: U186020746707]
Identifier: B005.02.0043
Abstract

6 file folders, 3 envelopes. Personal items remaining from various patients. Wallet of Harry Ross; Appointment book of Samuel Joseph;Change purse; Wallet of Heyman Blumenthal; Final Will and Testament of Samuel Carsh; Wallet of Morris Gluksohn;Personal papers of Samuel Joseph and Louis Mittleman;Personal papers of Harry Speitz and Morris Pumfian;Last will and testament and paperwork of A. Zundelowitz.

Dates: 1920-1930

Box 43 (Reading Room Exhibit Materials), 2014 - 2018

 File — Box B297.02.0043: Series B297.02 [Barcode: U186023293355]
Identifier: B297.02.0043
Abstract Box contains 57 reading room exhibit labels and reproduction photographs from the Beck Archives collection mounted on foam core boards. labels and photos cover a variety of individuals, families, and organizations. Some of those included are the Hornbein family; The Anfenger family; Rabbi William S. Friedman; The Jewish Consumptives Relief Society; Temple Emanuel; Peryle Hayutin Beck; Channah Milstein; Jesse Shwayder; Frances Wisebart Jacobs; Seraphine...
Dates: 2014 - 2018

Box 44, 1932-1935, 1937-1940

 File — Box B005.02.0044: Series B005.02 [Barcode: U186020746715]
Identifier: B005.02.0044
Abstract

Patient records- 3 large units of paper w/ brads (1932-1935). 1 file folder - Statistics on Jewish and Non-Jewish patient days by state, 1 July 1937 - 31 December 1940.

Dates: 1932-1935, 1937-1940

Box 45, 1970-1971

 File — Box B005.02.0045: Series B005.02 [Barcode: U186020746723]
Identifier: B005.02.0045
Abstract

Patient Records

Dates: 1970-1971

Box 46, 1970

 File — Box B005.02.0046: Series B005.02 [Barcode: U186020746731]
Identifier: B005.02.0046

Box 47 (Patient Records), 1901-1911

 File — Box B005.02.0047: Series B005.02 [Barcode: U186020746749]
Identifier: B005.02.0047
Abstract

Patient Records

Dates: 1901-1911

Box 48 (Patient Records), 1912-1918

 File — Box B005.02.0048: Series B005.02 [Barcode: U186020746757]
Identifier: B005.02.0048
Abstract

Patient Records

Dates: 1912-1918