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National Jewish Hospital (U.S.)

 Organization

Dates

  • Usage: 1926 - 1964

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 605 Collections and/or Records:

Chris Younger Lays on a Pile of Pillows at the National Asthma Center, between 1973-1985

 Item
Identifier: B089.12.0020.0006.00001
Abstract Chris Younger, a patient at the National Asthma Center, lays on a pile of pillows. The National Asthma Center's history began in 1907 as the Denver Sheltering Home for Jewish Children, which was a refuge for lower-income children whose parents were being treated for tuberculosis, or had passed away from tuberculosis. In 1928 the institution changed names to the National Home for Jewish Children in Denver. In 1953, the name changed to the Jewish National Home for Asthmatic Children at Denver...
Dates: between 1973-1985

Cille Cude NJH Graphic Artist, September 14,1953

 File
Identifier: B005.07.0238.0026
Abstract

One (1) 9x8 black and white photograph of Cille Cude drawing the entrance of the B'nai B'rith building. One (1) 8x10 black and white photograph of her making a sign for the National Jewish Hospital at Denver. Two (2) large format black and white negatives of same photograph.

Dates: September 14,1953

Cindy Roberts at the National Asthma Center, between 1973-1985

 Item
Identifier: B089.12.0020.0006.00005
Abstract Cindy Roberts, a patient at the National Asthma Center. The National Asthma Center's history began in 1907 as the Denver Sheltering Home for Jewish Children, which was a refuge for lower-income children whose parents were being treated for tuberculosis, or had passed away from tuberculosis. In 1928 the institution changed names to the National Home for Jewish Children in Denver. In 1953, the name changed to the Jewish National Home for Asthmatic Children at Denver and the institution became...
Dates: between 1973-1985

Classroom at National Jewish Hospital, 1961

 Item
Identifier: B063.03.0003.00019
Abstract

A group of children in one of the classrooms at National Jewish Hospital in Denver, Colorado. Teachers were provided by the Denver Public School System and young patients were able to complete all grade and high school requirements while admitted to the hospital.

Dates: 1961

Col. John Grow Appointed NJH Chief of Thoracic Surgery

 File
Identifier: B005.07.0238.0128
Scope and Contents From the Collection:

The collection includes annual reports, correspondence, limited patient records, meeting minutes, financial statements, reports, scrapbooks, photographs, sound discs, and objects from 1899 to 2009. The items reveal patient demographics and characteristics as well as detailed information regarding the early treatment of tuberculosis.

Dates: 1899-2009

Colorado Woman's College Students , c.1952

 File
Identifier: B005.07.0238.0015
Abstract

One (1) 8x10 black and white photograph of Colorado Women's College students sitting in front of columned building. One (1) large format black and white negative of same photograph.

Dates: c.1952

Connecticut - Derby - Federation, 1960-1969

 File
Identifier: B005.01.0007.0005
Abstract

Correspondence regarding the Derby, Connecticut federation

Dates: 1960-1969

Connecticut - Greenwich - Federation, 1960-1969

 File
Identifier: B005.01.0007.0006
Abstract

Correspondence regarding the Greenwich, Connecticut federation

Dates: 1960-1969

Connecticut - Milford - Federation, 1960-1969

 File
Identifier: B005.01.0007.0007
Abstract

Correspondence regarding the Milford, Connecticut federation

Dates: 1960-1969

Correspondence - A - B, 1963

 File
Identifier: B005.01.0009.0001
Abstract

Public Affairs Correspondence related to companies and persons letters A-B

Dates: 1963