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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 99, 1938

 File — Box B005.04.0099: Series B005.04 [Barcode: U186020747266]
Identifier: B005.04.0099
Abstract

United Health Appeal, 1938.(RMJHS box134).

Dates: 1938

Box 100, 1915-1940

 File — Box B005.04.0100: Series B005.04 [Barcode: U186020747274]
Identifier: B005.04.0100
Abstract

NJH Boxed Invoices, B'nai B'rith Bldg, 1926-1927; Boxed Investment Data 1940s;Boxed Invoices, Heineman and Hofheimer Bldg., 1923-1930; Boxed Invoices, Grabfelder Bldg., 1915. (RMJHS box 142).

Dates: 1915-1940

Box 101, 1940-1950

 File — Box B005.04.0101: Series B005.04 [Barcode: U186020747282]
Identifier: B005.04.0101
Abstract

Boxed Study,Council of National Jewish Organizations; Mixed Investment Data, 1940s. (RMJHS boxes 146 and 147).

Dates: 1940-1950

Box 102, between 1907-and 1930

 File — Box B005.04.0102: Series B005.04 [Barcode: U186020747313]
Identifier: B005.04.0102
Abstract

Journal 1907-1908; Payroll Ledger,1921-1930. (RMJHS box158A).

Dates: between 1907-and 1930

Box 103, between 1910-1970

 File — Box B005.04.0103: Series B005.04 [Barcode: U186020747305]
Identifier: B005.04.0103
Abstract

Fiscal Ledger for Subscriptions 1912-1913; Field Secretary Ledger 1920s; Field Secretary Ledger 1940s; Cytology and Surgical Ledger 1960s. (RMJHS boxes 154-156).

Dates: between 1910-1970

Box 104, 1919-1921

 File — Box B005.04.0104: Series B005.04 [Barcode: U186020747290]
Identifier: B005.04.0104
Abstract

Donation Journal Ledger 1919-1921. (RMJHS box 160).

Dates: 1919-1921

Box 105, 1899-1908

 File — Box B005.04.0105: Series B005.04 [Barcode: U186020747347]
Identifier: B005.04.0105
Abstract

(3) ledgers, 1899-1900 and 1905 - 1908. (National Jewish Hospital Records old boxes 168 A-168).

Dates: 1899-1908

Box 106, 1908-1919

 File — Box B005.04.0106: Series B005.04 [Barcode: U186020747339]
Identifier: B005.04.0106
Abstract

(2) Donation Journal Ledgers, 1908-1909 and 1913-1919. (National Jewish Hospital Records old boxes 158-159)

Dates: 1908-1919

Box 107, 1927-1939

 File — Box B005.04.0107: Series B005.04 [Barcode: U186020747321]
Identifier: B005.04.0107
Abstract

(2) Donation Journal Ledgers, 1927-1933 and 1933-1939. (National Jewish Hospital Records old boxes 162-163)

Dates: 1927-1939

Box 108, circa 1940

 File — Box B005.04.0108: Series B005.04 [Barcode: U186020747389]
Identifier: B005.04.0108
Abstract

(1) Donation Journal Ledger, 1940s. (1) Donation Journal Ledger, 1939-1947. (National Jewish Hospital Records old boxes 164-165).

Dates: circa 1940