National Jewish Hospital (U.S.)
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:
Philip Frankel , 1956-1957
One (1) 8x10 black and white photograph of Philip Frankel. One (1) large format black and white negative of same photo. One (1) strip of two negatives of Philip Frankel in a lab looking at test tubes.
Physicians Training at National Jewish Hospital, 1961
A group of unidentified physicians receiving training at National Jewish Hospital. One physician appears to be leading the training and is standing in the front of the room examining chest x-rays.
Plans for National Jewish Hospital, 1963
Contains copies of report on plans for buildings at National Jewish Hospital.
Plaque for Frances Wisebart Jacobs Statue, circa 1987
Metal plaque mounted on wood and engraved with ''Frances Wisebart Jacobs; After her death in 1892, the Frances Jacobs Hospital was erected on this site. It was the forerunner of the present institution, and was established through the love and gratitude of the people of Denver to memorialized a noble pioneer, Denver's 'Mother of Charities'''.
Playground at Hofheimer Children's Building, between 1899-1920
Eight images of children playing on the playground at the Hofheimer Children's Building at National Jewish Hospital.
Portrait of Dr. Robert Levy, between 1930-1939
Portrait of Dr. Robert Levy, between 1930-1939
Portrait of Lincoln Gries of Ohio
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.
Post Card, circa 1915
Contains 1 postcard with drawing of the campus National Jewish Hospital for Consumptives, showing 9 buildings.