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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 139, 1925-1948

 File — Box B005.04.0139: Series B005.04 [Barcode: U186020747664]
Identifier: B005.04.0139
Abstract

Financial Records - audits and balance sheets, 1925-1948.

Dates: 1925-1948

Box 140, 1926-1935

 File — Box B005.04.0140: Series B005.04 [Barcode: U186020747672]
Identifier: B005.04.0140
Abstract

Financial Reports, Contracts 1926-1935

Dates: 1926-1935

Box 141, 1908-1937

 File — Box B005.04.0141: Series B005.04 [Barcode: U186020747703]
Identifier: B005.04.0141
Abstract

(3) Ledgers: Cash Book, June 1914-May 1916; Loans 1908- (n.d.); Linen Inventory 1912-1937.

Dates: 1908-1937

Box 142, 1901-1919

 File — Box B005.04.0142: Series B005.04 [Barcode: U186020747698]
Identifier: B005.04.0142
Abstract

(2) Ledgers: Patient Laundry Charges, 1919; Current Expenses 1901-1904.(National Jewish Hospital Records old boxes 249-250)

Dates: 1901-1919

Box 143, 1912-1941

 File — Box B005.04.0143: Series B005.04 [Barcode: U186020747680]
Identifier: B005.04.0143
Abstract

(5) Ledgers: Cash Book, 1916-1920; Cash Analysis, 1912-1941; Cash Analysis, 1916-22; Cash Analysis, 1922-1932; Cash Analysis, 1932-1941. (National Jewish Hospital Records old boxes 242-246)

Dates: 1912-1941

Box 144, 1900-1918

 File — Box B005.04.0144: Series B005.04 [Barcode: U186020747737]
Identifier: B005.04.0144
Abstract

(3) Ledgers: Building and Maintenance Expenses, 1906-1918; Loans Outstanding, 1904-1908; Cash Books, 1900-1910. (National Jewish Hospital Records old boxes 251-253)

Dates: 1900-1918

Box 145, 1910-1921

 File — Box B005.04.0145: Series B005.04 [Barcode: U186020747729]
Identifier: B005.04.0145
Abstract

(2) Ledgers: Cash Books 1910-1911; Field Secretary 1920-1921. (National Jewish Hospital Records old boxes 254-255)

Dates: 1910-1921

Box 146, 1908-1946

 File — Box B005.04.0146: Series B005.04 [Barcode: U186020747711]
Identifier: B005.04.0146
Abstract

(9) Ledgers: Balances 1938-46; Balances, 1908-13; Balances 1913; Balances 1913-16; Balances 1916-18; Balances 1918-21; Balances 1919-25; Balances 1925-31; Balances 1921-38. National Jewish Hospital Records old boxes 256-264)

Dates: 1908-1946

Box 147, 1906-1949

 File — Box B005.04.0147: Series B005.04 [Barcode: U186020747761]
Identifier: B005.04.0147
Abstract

(3) Ledgers: Current Expenses, 1948-49; Day Book 1906-1909; Balances 1942-47.

Dates: 1906-1949

Box 149, 1920-1947

 File — Box B005.04.0149: Series B005.04 [Barcode: U186020747745]
Identifier: B005.04.0149
Abstract

(3) Ledgers: Farm Account, 1913-1917; Daily Cash Book, 1942; Contributions, 1947. (National Jewish Hospital Records old boxes 266-267)

Dates: 1920-1947