Famous Faces Supporting National Jewish Hospital

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National Jewish Health, originally named the National Jewish Hospital for Consumptives, was founded in 1899 by philanthropist Frances Wisebart Jacobs, also known as Denver's Mother of Charities. The hospital was established to provide free treatment for tuberculosis (then known as consumption) to destitute individuals. Over the years, National Jewish Health has expanded its focus to include asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other respiratory, cardiac, and immune disorders. It is now the only facility in the world exclusively dedicated to cutting-edge research and treatment in these areas. National Jewish Health has been ranked by U.S. News & World Report for its excellence in respiratory care and has formed strategic partnerships with organisations like Siemens Healthineers to further advance patient care.

Characteristics Values
Year Established 1899
Founder Francis Weiss Bart Jacobs
Original Name Francis Wisebart Jacobs Hospital
Current Name National Jewish Health
Specialization Respiratory, cardiac, immune, and related disorders
Motto "None may enter who can pay—none can pay who enter."
Notable Achievements Ranked #1 or #2 by U.S. News & World Report in pulmonology; Leading respiratory hospital in the nation; Only facility dedicated exclusively to respiratory, cardiac, and immune research and treatment
Notable Partnerships Siemens Healthineers; Mount Sinai Icahn School of Medicine; American Lung Association; National Institutes of Health; Food and Drug Administration

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The hospital's founding in 1899

In the 1880s, Denver was a boomtown, attracting people from across the country who were seeking their fortune in the mining towns of the Rockies. However, another less visible group also came to Denver: people with tuberculosis (then known as consumption), seeking a cure in the Colorado sunshine and clean mountain air. Many of these individuals were destitute and could not afford treatment. When sunshine and fresh air failed to cure them, some found solace in resorts like Manitou Springs, while others ended up on the streets of Denver, homeless and without hope.

In response to this crisis, a group of pioneering individuals, led by Francis Weiss Bart Jacobs, the wife of a wealthy merchant, took it upon themselves to build a hospital dedicated to the care of indigent tuberculosis patients. Mrs. Jacobs, known as Denver's "Mother of Charities" in the late 1800s for her philanthropic work that crossed religious, ethnic, and racial lines, found an ally in Rabbi William Friedman, who shared her vision for this much-needed facility. Together, they raised funds to build a nonsectarian hospital for the treatment of respiratory diseases, with a focus on tuberculosis.

The cornerstone of the hospital was laid on October 9, 1892, drawing huge crowds. The original hospital was completed in 1893 and was to be named the "Francis Wisebart Jacobs Hospital" after its founder. Unfortunately, Mrs. Jacobs died of pneumonia before the hospital could open, and the nation soon fell into a recession, causing the hospital to remain vacant for six years.

Finally, in 1899, Rabbi Friedman and Louis Anfenger persuaded the national Jewish service organization, B'nai B'rith, to undertake the opening and maintenance of the hospital. On December 10, 1899, the first patients checked into the new National Jewish Hospital for Consumptives, under its official motto: "None may enter who can pay—none can pay who enter." The hospital opened with a capacity of 60 patients and the goal of treating 150 patients per year. Despite its name, the hospital has always treated all patients regardless of their ability to pay or religious denomination, in keeping with the values of its founders.

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The motto: None may enter who can pay—none can pay who enter

The National Jewish Hospital, now known as National Jewish Health, was founded in 1899 with the motto "None may enter who can pay—none can pay who enter". This motto reflects the hospital's commitment to providing care for those who cannot afford it.

The hospital was established in response to the growing number of destitute individuals suffering from tuberculosis (then known as consumption) who came to Denver seeking the beneficial effects of the climate. At that time, no other institution in the city would admit penniless consumptives, leaving many to live and die on the streets.

The hospital was the vision of Frances Wisebart Jacobs, a Denver philanthropist known as the "Mother of Charities" for her charitable work that crossed religious, ethnic, racial, and financial lines. She was supported by Rabbi William Friedman, who shared her vision for a hospital dedicated to the care of indigent TB patients. The original hospital building was completed in 1893, but due to a national economic depression, it sat vacant for six years until Rabbi Friedman persuaded the national Jewish organization B'nai B'rith to provide the necessary operating funds.

Since its founding, National Jewish Health has maintained its focus on providing care for those who cannot pay. Initially, the hospital only accepted patients without health insurance, and all care was free. While economic realities have made it impossible to continue funding patient care entirely through philanthropy, the hospital still provides millions of dollars of free or heavily subsidized care to patients each year.

Today, National Jewish Health is the only facility in the world dedicated exclusively to groundbreaking medical research and treatment of children and adults with respiratory, cardiac, immune, and related disorders. It has been ranked by U.S. News & World Report for its excellence in respiratory care and is recognised for its asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) programs. The hospital has also formed strategic partnerships, such as with Siemens Healthineers, to advance the care of patients with respiratory, cardiovascular, and immune diseases.

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The founder, Frances Wisebart Jacobs

Frances Wisebart Jacobs, the wife of a wealthy merchant, was a philanthropist and a forceful, persuasive speaker who inspired support for charitable organisations in Denver, Colorado. She was known as Denver's "Mother of Charities" in the late 1800s for her benevolent work that crossed religious, ethnic, racial, and financial lines.

In 1858, settlers arrived in Denver, then a frontier land. Jacobs settled in Denver in 1870 and soon became involved in charitable activities. She organised the Hebrew Ladies' Benevolent Society (or Relief Society) and the Denver Ladies' Relief Society, a free kindergarten, and the Charity Organization Society, which collected money from local businesses to support community projects.

Jacobs was troubled by the number of critically ill tuberculosis patients she saw living in squalor on the streets of Denver. At the time, Colorado was known for its sunshine and dry climate, which were considered a cure for tuberculosis. As a result, hundreds of sufferers, including many Jews, came to Denver in search of a cure. However, many patients lacked access to basic lodging and proper medical care. Recognising this need in the community, Jacobs began working to establish a sanatorium.

In October 1889, the Jewish Hospital Association was formed to create a hospital for sick indigents with funds from the people of Denver. Jacobs worked with Rabbi William S. Friedman of Congregation Emanuel to launch a fundraising campaign for the hospital. On April 8, 1890, articles of incorporation of the Jewish Hospital Association of Colorado were filed, and the association bought land for the hospital. On October 9, 1892, the cornerstone of the hospital was laid. Sadly, Jacobs died of pneumonia just a month later, on November 3, 1892, at the age of 49.

The hospital, named the Frances Jacobs Hospital after its founder, sat vacant for six years due to financial challenges. It finally opened its doors as the National Jewish Hospital for Consumptives on December 10, 1899, with the help of B'nai B'rith, a Jewish charitable organisation. The hospital was the first in the world to accept only destitute TB patients from anywhere in the country, under the condition that they would not become a charge upon the Denver community upon leaving.

Today, National Jewish Health is a world leader in treating respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19. It is the only facility in the world dedicated exclusively to groundbreaking medical research and treatment of patients with respiratory, cardiac, immune, and related disorders.

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The hospital's expansion into asthma research

The National Jewish Hospital was established in 1899 to treat tuberculosis patients, but by the mid-1950s, it had expanded its focus to include asthma and other respiratory ailments. At that time, the hospital was the only one in the nation with a large inpatient program for adults with asthma, and in the 1960s, it added a pediatric program.

In 1978, the hospital, then called the National Jewish Hospital and Research Center, merged with the National Asthma Center (NAC), a residential treatment facility for children with severe asthma and a research hospital. The NAC had a long history of its own, starting as a sheltering home for Jewish children with tuberculosis in 1907 and evolving into an asthma research institute in 1957. The merger allowed the combined institution to leverage the expertise and resources of both organizations, further advancing asthma research and treatment.

Today, National Jewish Health is a world-renowned leader in asthma care and research. It is the only facility in the world dedicated exclusively to groundbreaking medical research and treatment of respiratory, cardiac, immune, and related disorders. The hospital's physicians are consistently recognized among the best in the nation, and it is ranked in the top 5% of hospitals by HCAHPS. The creation of The Cohen Family Asthma Institute in 2016 further solidified its commitment to severe asthma care, research, and education.

National Jewish Health's multidisciplinary team offers a wide range of individualized asthma treatment programs for patients with mild, moderate, or severe asthma. Their doctors are also researchers, giving patients access to the latest clinical trials and most effective treatments. The hospital's mission remains true to its founding principles, providing care to those who need it most, regardless of their ability to pay.

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The Siemens Healthineers partnership

National Jewish Health, the leading respiratory hospital in the nation, and Siemens Healthineers, a global medical technology leader, have formed a Value Partnership. This partnership is an extension of their two-decade-long collaboration, which has involved developing novel imaging and diagnostic technologies that have advanced precision medicine.

The agreement sets the foundation for future initiatives to advance the care of patients with respiratory, cardiovascular, immune, and related diseases. It establishes a close relationship between the two organisations, facilitating collaboration, integration, and innovation. The Value Partnership aligns with the National Jewish Health core technology strategy and aims to develop technology management plans that leverage Siemens Healthineers' strengths and expertise in imaging, diagnostic testing, analytics, clinical workflows, and staffing support programs.

Siemens Healthineers is a global provider of healthcare equipment, solutions, and services, with activities in more than 180 countries and direct representation in over 70. The company pioneers breakthroughs in healthcare and is committed to improving access to healthcare for underserved communities worldwide.

The expanded agreement between the two organisations will facilitate joint research projects, leveraging Siemens Healthineers' expertise in imaging, diagnostics, analytics, and clinical workflows to support National Jewish Health's mission in precision medicine and advanced healthcare. This strategic partnership underscores a commitment to innovation, integration, and collaboration to improve patient care and foster long-term advancements in healthcare technology and treatment approaches.

The collaboration between National Jewish Health and Siemens Healthineers is expected to improve patient care and foster innovation by leveraging Siemens Healthineers' expertise and resources in healthcare technology and National Jewish Health's leadership in respiratory, cardiac, and immune disease research and care.

Frequently asked questions

The National Jewish Hospital was founded by Frances Wisebart Jacobs, a Denver philanthropist known as "Mother of Charities" in the late 1800s. She was supported by Rabbi William Friedman.

The National Jewish Hospital has been associated with several organisations over the years. In 1978, the hospital, then known as the National Jewish Hospital and Research Center, merged with the National Asthma Center (NAC). More recently, the hospital has formed a strategic partnership with Siemens Healthineers, a global medical technology leader, to advance patient care and research.

The mission of the National Jewish Hospital is to provide groundbreaking medical research and treatment to children and adults with respiratory, cardiac, immune, and related disorders. The hospital treats patients from around the world and has a particular focus on those who cannot pay for their care.

The National Jewish Hospital was established in 1899 to serve destitute individuals with tuberculosis (then known as consumption) who travelled to Denver for its supposedly beneficial climate. The hospital was originally named the Francis Wisebart Jacobs Hospital after its founder, who died before it opened in 1899.

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