(By our Denver Correspondent)
National Jewish Hospital Week, now being observed in 500 cities throughout the United States marks the 29th year of the National Jewish Hospital for Consumptives in Denver, pioneer national charity institution for the treatment of tuberculosis.
Since the inception of the hospital in Denver in December, 1899, other similar institutions have been established, including the Jewish Consumptives’ Relief Society also in Denver, until a network of institutions cares for the tuberculous in several other spots conducive to the necessary treatment.
Statistics show the effectiveness of the work, in the reduction of the death rate of tubercular persons. Last year it was less than half of what it was before 1899.
The long waiting list of applicants from all over the United States is an indication of the need for the 14 buildings which now comprise the institution.
A growth in capacity so that now the hospital accommodates 300 patients, increase in the scope of the research department, and the added expense of maintaining the new Infirmary Building have made it necessary to issue the Health and Friendship bonds during each National Jewish Hospital week.
The second issue will be on sale to contributors the week of April 15-21. Outside of that assistance the hospital is supported by individual subscribers.
Inspiration for the institution was first received 36 years ago when Dr. William S. Friedman, rabbi of Temple Emanuel, preached a sermon that stirred members of his congregation to action on behalf of the poverty-stricken tuberculous sufferers, who come to Denver from all parts of the country, seeking a cure.
The first building was completed in 1893, but its doors remained closed six years until the Independent Order B’nai Brith, at the instigation of District Grand Lodge No. 2 raised sufficient funds to insure operation of the institution.
Since the hospital has opened more than 5500 patients, men, women and children, have been treated, 70% of whom have left the hospital either recovered or greatly improved.
During the past 10 years since the World War, 80% of the patients have been far-advanced cases. To accommodate the increasing number of such cases, the B’nai Brith Infirmary building was erected. It was dedicated Sept. 2, 1926, and in addition to laboratory equlpment and sun parlors, includes 100 private rooms.
The research department of the hospital, established for more than eight years, is unique in that it is the only tuberculosis research service maintained by Jewish philanthropy. It was recently given a certificate of award from the American Medical Association, and is under the direction of Dr. H. J. Corper.
Unique preventative work is being accomplished in the Hofheimer Preventorium which houses 38 children with either a predisposition to tuberculosis or tuberculous infections of the bones. While in the Preventorium, children attend a school operated on the hospital grounds, and conducted by the hospital. Work is recognized by the Denver Board of Education, and pupils finishing in the eighth grade are accredited to enter the Denver school ninth grades. Instruction in Hebrew and choral work is also included.
Adults are given the opportunity to learn stenography, typing, accounting, and other phases of work so that they can support themselves following their discharge from the hospital.
The original hospital building opened in 1899 was later dedicated to Dr. William S. Friedman and called the Friedman building.
Another building, erected in 1902, called the Guggenheim building was the gift of the Guggenheim family.
The women’s pavilion, which was built in 1905, was dedicated recently to Mrs. Seraphine Pisko, executive secretary of the hospital for the last 16 years, who has been assciated with its work ever since its inception.
The Schoenberg Memorial building, completed in 1913, was dedicated to the memory of Joseph E. Schoenberg by his children.
The Grabfelder building, built a year later, was the gift of Samuel Grabfelder.
The Hoffheimer Children’s Preventorium was the gift of Nathan and Helena Hoffheimer in 1921.
The Louis Beaumont Home for Nurses was built in 1922, as a memorial to Dudley C. Schoenberg. The Adolph Lewison chapel was erected in 1906 by Lewison.
The B’nai Brith Infirmary, the newest building, which was dedicated in September, 1926, was the gift of Districts 2 and 6 of the B’nai Brith.
National officers of the institution are Louis D. Beaumont, of New York and Paris, honorary president; Dr. William S. Friedman of Denver, vice president; Morton May, of St. Louis, vice president; Harmon August of New York, vice president; Berthold Flesher, of Denver, vice president; Charles H. Studin of New York, vice president; Herman Wile of Buffalo, New York, vice president; Harry H. Lapidus, of Omaha, vice president; Edwin J. Schanfarber of Columbus, O., vice president; Mrs. Seraphine Pisko, of Denver, executive secretary; Ben Altheimer of New York, treasurer.
Dr. I. D. Bronfin is medical supervisor, and Samuel Schaefer is national supervisor.
JTA has documented Jewish history in real-time for over a century. Keep our journalism strong by joining us in supporting independent, award-winning reporting.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
