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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 150, 1911-1917

 File — Box B005.04.0150: Series B005.04 [Barcode: U186020747795]
Identifier: B005.04.0150
Abstract

(5) Ledgers: Farm Journal, 1911-13; Farm Journal 1912-17; Farm Journal 1913-16; Farm Journal 1914; Farm Journal 1916-17. National Jewish Hospital Records old boxes 290-294)

Dates: 1911-1917

Box 151, 1900-1950

 File — Box B005.04.0151: Series B005.04 [Barcode: U186020747787]
Identifier: B005.04.0151
Abstract

(6) Ledgers: Payroll Secretary Office, 1913-1918; Accounts, 1901; Time Book, 1946; Patient Account, 1932-35; Account-Field Reps, 1913-16; Daily Cash Book 1914-1919. (National Jewish Hospital Records old boxes 284-289)

Dates: 1900-1950

Box 152, 1909-1911

 File — Box B005.04.0152: Series B005.04 [Barcode: U186020747779]
Identifier: B005.04.0152
Abstract

(2) Ledgers: Subscription, 1911; Subscription 1909-1910. (National Jewish Hospital Records old boxes 282-283)

Dates: 1909-1911

Box 153, 1901-1930

 File — Box B005.04.0153: Series B005.04 [Barcode: U186020747834]
Identifier: B005.04.0153
Abstract

(5) Ledgers: Subscription, 1901-05; Secretary Cash Book, 1911-14; Payroll 1931-33; Payroll 1932-33; Payroll, 1933.

Dates: 1901-1930

Box 154, 1935-1936

 File — Box B005.04.0154: Series B005.04 [Barcode: U186020747826]
Identifier: B005.04.0154
Abstract

(1) unbound Ledger- Financial, 1935-36.

Dates: 1935-1936

Box 155, 1936-1937

 File — Box B005.04.0155: Series B005.04 [Barcode: U186020747818]
Identifier: B005.04.0155
Abstract

(1) unbound Ledger - Financial, 1936-37.

Dates: 1936-1937

Box 156, 1942-1949

 File — Object B005.04.0156: Series B005.04 [Barcode: U186020747800]
Identifier: B005.04.0156
Abstract

(1) wrapped Ledger- Cash Receipts, 1942-1949.

Dates: 1942-1949

Box 157, 1937-1938

 File — Box B005.04.0157: Series B005.04 [Barcode: U186020747876]
Identifier: B005.04.0157
Abstract

(1) unbound Ledger - Financial, 1937-1938.

Dates: 1937-1938

Box 158, 1899-2009

 File — Box B005.04.0158: Series B005.04 [Barcode: U186020747868]
Identifier: B005.04.0158
Abstract

(3) unbound Ledgers - Financial, n.d.

Dates: 1899-2009

Box 159, 1934-1935

 File — Box B005.04.0159: Series B005.04 [Barcode: U186020747850]
Identifier: B005.04.0159
Abstract

(1) unbound Ledger- Financial, 1934-35.

Dates: 1934-1935