
Howard University Hospital (HUH) is a private, non-profit institution in Washington, D.C., affiliated with Howard University. It is one of America's most historic hospitals, founded in 1862 as Freedmen's Hospital, the first hospital of its kind to provide medical treatment for former slaves and African American servicemen returning from the Civil War. In 1967, Freedmen's Hospital was transferred to Howard University and was used as a hospital until 1975. HUH is the only teaching hospital on the campus of a historically Black university and is recognised as a national leader in training future doctors, nurses, and other health professionals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Howard University Hospital (HUH) |
| Location | Washington, D.C. |
| Type | Private, non-profit institution |
| History | Founded in 1862 as Freedmen's Hospital; transferred to Howard University in 1967; became a teaching hospital in 1975 |
| Affiliation | Affiliated with Howard University, a private, historically Black research institution |
| Services | Primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare; Level 1 Trauma Center; specialty care departments including emergency medicine, psychiatry, radiology, and surgery |
| Mission | To advance healthcare and health equity, providing patient-centered, high-quality, collaborative care |
| Community involvement | Offers community-based programs such as the Diabetes Treatment Center and engages in local activities like medical presentations and health fairs |
| Training programs | Residencies and fellowships in various medical specialties, approved by accrediting bodies for 1-5 years of training |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn

Howard University Hospital's history and affiliation with Howard University
Howard University Hospital (HUH) is a private, non-profit institution in Washington, D.C. with a rich history of leadership and service. It was founded in 1862 as Freedmen's Hospital, the first hospital of its kind to provide medical treatment for former slaves and African American servicemen returning from the Civil War. It was housed in converted army barracks and provided refuge for patients who were denied care at other hospitals. In 1863, Freedmen's Hospital was placed under the charge of Dr. Alexander Augusta, the first African American to head a hospital in the United States.
In 1865, Howard University was founded and in 1868, the Howard University Medical School was established. During this time, Freedmen's Hospital served as its teaching hospital while remaining under federal control. In 1909, Congress authorized the construction of a new hospital on the campus of Howard University. In 1967, Freedmen's Hospital was transferred to Howard University and was used until 1975 when the current Howard University Hospital opened on Georgia Avenue NW in the city's historic Shaw neighbourhood. The original Freedmen's building still stands and houses Howard University's John H. Johnson School of Communications, while Freedmen's Hall at the University Hospital serves as a museum dedicated to the history of medical education and healthcare at Howard University.
HUH is the only teaching hospital in the nation located on the campus of a historically Black university. It offers medical students opportunities to observe and participate in clinical and research work with professionals. The hospital provides comprehensive health care services to the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, including primary, secondary, and tertiary care through its 14 specialty care departments. HUH functions as a Level 1 Trauma Center, handling more than 1,300 admissions annually. It also has a Department of Emergency Medicine that sees approximately 50,000 patients each year.
HUH is committed to advancing health equity and providing patient-centred care. It offers a range of community-based programs, such as the Diabetes Treatment Center and the Minority Organ Tissue Transplant Education Program (MOTTEP). Additionally, HUH provides over $11.5 million in uncompensated care annually, ensuring access to healthcare regardless of insurance status. The hospital also engages in local community activities, including free health screenings, educational workshops, and health fairs.
Rick Grimes: Did He Die in the Hospital?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

HUH's status as a teaching hospital on a historically Black university campus
Howard University Hospital (HUH) is a private, non-profit institution in Washington, D.C. affiliated with Howard University. It is the only teaching hospital in the United States located on the campus of a historically Black university.
HUH has a rich history dating back to 1862 with the founding of Freedmen's Hospital, which was the first hospital to provide medical treatment to formerly enslaved people and African American servicemen returning from the Civil War. In 1863, Freedmen's Hospital came under the leadership of Dr. Alexander Augusta, the first African American to head a hospital in the United States. After the Civil War, it became the teaching hospital of Howard University Medical School, which was established in 1868.
In 1967, Freedmen's Hospital was officially transferred to Howard University and was used as a hospital until 1975. In 1975, the University opened a new hospital on Georgia Avenue NW in the city's historic Shaw neighbourhood. The new hospital was located in a modern facility at 2041 Georgia Avenue NW, the former site of Griffith Stadium.
Today, HUH continues to be a leader in healthcare and health equity. It offers a comprehensive range of health care services, including primary, secondary, and tertiary care, through its 14 specialty care departments. HUH is recognised as a national leader in training future doctors, nurses, and other allied health professionals. It provides medical students with opportunities to observe and participate in clinical and research work with professionals. HUH also offers a variety of community-based programs, such as the Diabetes Treatment Center and the Minority Organ Tissue Transplant Education Program (MOTTEP).
HUH's mission is to advance healthcare and health equity, providing exemplary education, service, and research that promotes patient-centred, high-quality, collaborative care. It aims to eliminate health disparities and provide care to all patients regardless of their insurance status. HUH's community-based programs and financial support for patients reflect its commitment to serving the community.
Celine Dion: Hospitalization and Death Rumors Explained
You may want to see also
Explore related products

HUH's financial struggles and management changes
Howard University Hospital (HUH) is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with Howard University, a historically Black research institution founded in 1867. HUH is the only teaching hospital in the nation located on the campus of a historically Black university. It offers medical students opportunities to participate in clinical and research work alongside professionals.
HUH has faced financial struggles and management changes over the years. In 2016, the hospital was financially overburdened and had the highest rate of wrongful death lawsuits of any health facility in Washington, D.C. This was partly due to the closure of D.C. General Hospital in 2001, which resulted in HUH receiving an influx of the poorest patients.
To address these challenges, HUH entered into a management agreement with Adventist HealthCare in February 2020. Adventist HealthCare, a leading healthcare provider in the mid-Atlantic region, provided new resources and opportunities for clinical training in its network of facilities. Anita L. A. Jenkins, an experienced healthcare executive, became the hospital's chief executive. This change in management brought a fresh perspective and expertise to HUH, aiming to improve its financial stability and the quality of care it provides.
HUH offers a range of specialized services, including endocrinology, ophthalmology, podiatry, diabetes education, pharmacy services, and nutrition services. It also functions as a Level 1 Trauma Center for the Washington metropolitan area, handling more than 1,300 admissions annually. The Division of Trauma at HUH is known for its high research productivity, with numerous publications in peer-reviewed journals.
In addition to its clinical and research activities, HUH is committed to serving the community. It offers community-based programs such as the Diabetes Treatment Center and the Minority Organ Tissue Transplant Education Program (MOTTEP). The hospital also engages in local community activities, including medical presentations, free health screenings, educational workshops, and health fairs. These initiatives demonstrate HUH's dedication to improving the health and well-being of the communities it serves.
Hospital Ships: Giant Navy Vessels Saving Lives
You may want to see also
Explore related products

HUH's community-based programs and specialised services
Howard University Hospital (HUH) is a private, non-profit institution in Washington, D.C., with an affiliation to Howard University. HUH is the only teaching hospital in the country located on the campus of a historically Black university. The hospital offers medical students the chance to take part in clinical and research work with professionals.
HUH has a range of community-based programs and specialised services. The Diabetes Treatment Center is one such program, offering a multidisciplinary approach to patient care. The Minority Organ Tissue Transplant Education Program (MOTTEP) is also headquartered at HUH. HUH's specialised services include endocrinology, ophthalmology, podiatry, diabetes education, pharmacy services, and nutrition services. The hospital also offers counselling tailored to the patient's goals, education, and lifestyle.
HUH functions as a Level 1 Trauma Center for the Washington metropolitan area, handling more than 1,300 admissions annually. The Division of Trauma is known for the high research productivity of its surgeons, with over 50 peer-reviewed articles published in the past three years. HUH also publishes a quarterly health newsletter called 'The Check Up', in collaboration with the Division of Health Sciences and the Howard University Office of University Communications.
The Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences provides services for the diagnosis and treatment of severely mentally ill patients, treatment for the deaf and mentally challenged, and the diagnosis and treatment of addictive disorders. The Mood and Anxiety Behavioral and Neuroscience Center researches and treats various mental health conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorders and bipolar illnesses.
The Department of Radiology provides diagnostic imaging services for patients of all ages, while the Department of Surgery offers a comprehensive range of surgical services, including surgical oncology, cardiovascular surgery, urological surgery, and neurosurgery.
Howard University and HUH have a shared history. Freedmen's Hospital and Asylum, established in 1862, was placed under the charge of Dr. Alexander Augusta in 1863, the first African American to head a hospital in the United States. After the Civil War, it became the teaching hospital of Howard University Medical School, which was founded in 1868. In 1967, Freedmen's Hospital was transferred to Howard University and served as a hospital until 1975. Today, HUH is located in a modern facility at 2041 Georgia Avenue, NW, the former site of Griffith Stadium.
Hospitalized: Is T.D. Jakes Recovering?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

HUH's role as a Level 1 Trauma Centre
Howard University Hospital (HUH) is a private, nonprofit institution in Washington, D.C., affiliated with Howard University. It is the only teaching hospital on the campus of a historically Black university in the nation. HUH functions as a Level 1 Trauma Center for the Washington metropolitan area.
HUH's role as a Level 1 Trauma Center is significant. As a Level 1 Trauma Center, HUH is equipped and staffed to provide advanced care for patients suffering from major traumatic injuries. These injuries can include falls, motor vehicle collisions, gunshot wounds, burns, and assaults with deadly weapons. Level 1 Trauma Centers like HUH have teams of specialized care providers available around the clock to treat patients with injuries of all severity levels. They offer the most complete and complex level of care for trauma patients, including surgical specialists in areas such as neurosurgery, orthopedic surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, and plastic surgery.
HUH handles more than 1,300 admissions annually and has become one of the primary trauma centers for District residents after the closure of the District of Columbia General Hospital. The hospital's Division of Trauma is known for the high research productivity of its surgeons, with numerous trauma-related articles published in peer-reviewed journals. HUH's trauma leadership includes renowned trauma surgeon, author, and community activist Dr. Edward E. Cornwell, III, who has dedicated his career to working in urban communities.
HUH also offers a range of community-based programs, such as the Diabetes Treatment Center, which takes a multidisciplinary approach to patient care. Additionally, the Minority Organ Tissue Transplant Education Program (MOTTEP) is headquartered at HUH, providing specialized services in areas such as endocrinology, ophthalmology, podiatry, and diabetes education. The hospital's Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences provides services for the diagnosis and treatment of severely mentally ill patients, addictive disorders, and the treatment of the deaf and mentally challenged.
HUH's role as a Level 1 Trauma Center is critical in reducing preventable deaths and disabilities, especially among younger populations. Treatment at a Level 1 Trauma Center can significantly reduce mortality rates, and the hospital's location and resources enable it to serve a diverse patient population in the Washington, D.C. area.
Parham Doctors Hospital: Adolescent Psych Admissions
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Howard University Hospital (HUH) is a major hospital located in Washington, D.C. It was previously known as Freedmen's Hospital and was the first hospital to provide medical treatment for former slaves and African American servicemen returning from the Civil War. It is now a private, nonprofit institution and the nation's only teaching hospital on the campus of a historically Black university.
In 1967, Freedmen's Hospital was transferred to Howard University and was used as a hospital until 1975. In 1975, the University opened a new hospital on Georgia Avenue NW. HUH is affiliated with Howard University and is located on its campus.
Howard University is a private, historically Black research institution that was founded in 1867. It is one of the world's most prestigious destinations for undergraduate education, offering a diverse suite of degrees and programs.
HUH functions as a Level 1 Trauma Center for the Washington metropolitan area and handles more than 1,300 admissions annually. It provides top-tier inpatient and outpatient health care services through its 14 specialty care departments. It also offers a variety of training programs and fellowships.







































