Skip to main content

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 89, 1975-1980

 File — Box B005.04.0089: Series B005.04 [Barcode: U186020747169]
Identifier: B005.04.0089
Abstract

Legal Dispute with Cross Co. 1975-1980.

Dates: 1975-1980

Box 90, circa 1980

 File — Box B005.04.0090: Series B005.04 [Barcode: U186020747177]
Identifier: B005.04.0090

Box 91, 1899-2009

 File — Box B005.04.0091: Series B005.04 [Barcode: U186020747185]
Identifier: B005.04.0091

Box 92, 1950-1980

 File — Box B005.04.0092: Series B005.04 [Barcode: U186020747193]
Identifier: B005.04.0092

Box 93, 1950-1980

 File — Box B005.04.0093: Series B005.04 [Barcode: U186020747208]
Identifier: B005.04.0093

Box 94, 1927-1928

 File — Box B005.04.0094: Series B005.04 [Barcode: U186020747216]
Identifier: B005.04.0094
Abstract

Field Secretary Ledger 1927-28. RMJHS box 101.

Dates: 1927-1928

Box 95, 1939-1945

 File — Box B005.04.0095: Series B005.04 [Barcode: U186020747224]
Identifier: B005.04.0095
Abstract

National Jewish Hospital Investment Ledger 1939-45;(RMJHS boxes 129-130).

Dates: 1939-1945

Box 96, 1924-1926

 File — Box B005.04.0096: Series B005.04 [Barcode: U186020747232]
Identifier: B005.04.0096
Abstract

(2) Field Secretary Ledgers 1924-25 and 1925-26. (RMJHS box 132).

Dates: 1924-1926

Box 97, 1916-1925

 File — Box B005.04.0097: Series B005.04 [Barcode: U186020747240]
Identifier: B005.04.0097
Abstract

(2) Field Secretary Ledgers, 1914 and 1924-1925. (RMJHS boxes 127-128)

Dates: 1916-1925

Box 98, 1939

 File — Box B005.04.0098: Series B005.04 [Barcode: U186020747258]
Identifier: B005.04.0098
Abstract

NJH United Health Appeal Book, 1939. (RMJHS box133).

Dates: 1939