p. 19 | Our Sanitariums for Colored People by L. A. H.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 7, 1912

Our Sanitariums for Colored People

By L. A. H.

It is not long since our medical workers and others of our people in the South saw the need of a sanitarium for colored people. As our work for them developed, it became more and more apparent that medical missionary effort, in its various phases, would be one of the effective means of reaching many and meeting their needs. There was no question with any as to the advisability of starting sanitarium work as soon as possible. All concerned entered heartily into plans looking to this end.

We now have two sanitariums for colored people, well prepared to do the work usually required of such institutions. They have been established by earnest effort on the part of those directly interested, and by the cooperation of our people throughout this country. They are therefore institutions of our planting. They belong to us as a denomination.

One of these sanitariums is located at Huntsville, Ala., and is operated in connection with the Oakwood Manual Training School. It occupies a new building, erected especially for it. The site is a beautiful one, in the midst of a fine grove of large oaks, about four miles from the city. A good equipment is possessed, and a full corps of workers is in attendance. Dr. M. M. Martinson, the superintendent, is a physician and surgeon of considerable experience both in connection with our own institutions and in outside practise. He is assisted by his wife, Dr. Stella Martinson, whose wide experience in her work adds strength to the institution. They are also conducting a training-school for nurses. Several workers, having already been graduated

with creditable standings, are now doing good work, either in connection with institutions or in the field.

The other sanitarium is at Nashville, Tenn., called the Rock City Sanitarium. Its address is 316 Foster Street. This institution is the outgrowth of work that has been carried forward about twelve years. Dr. Lottie Isbell Blake, the superintendent, has been connected with this work practically from the beginning, and has succeeded in overcoming many obstacles. Her husband, D. E. Blake, has now joined her in this work, and expects soon to be graduated as a physician. The sanitarium is prepared to care for patients in an acceptable manner, as well as to carry on a practical medical missionary effort among the many colored people of the city.

Both of these sanitariums have the room, equipment, and the workers necessary for caring for many more patients than they now have. It is quite necessary that they have more business, and here we come to the point of this article.

There must be many sick persons who ought to have the benefit of one or the other of these sanitariums, but who may not know of the special facilities offered. The low prices quoted by these institutions make it possible for many to secure sanitarium care and treatment that otherwise might be beyond their reach. The instruction to be secured in principles of health will prove a great blessing to those who come, and probably to many of their friends and neighbors on their return to their homes. Results already seen in this respect have been very encouraging.

These sanitariums can not do much in the way of advertising. They are limited in their means of making known their work to those who should know about it. They are at a disadvantage in several ways as compared with our other sanitariums. In a special manner they are dependent upon our brethren and sisters to put them in touch with prospective patients.

Will not our brethren and sisters, as far as is practicable, lend help in giving these institutions their quota of work? A proper interest to direct those who should go there, and perhaps a little planning or material assistance in getting there, will help to fill these two sanitariums and make them and their work a great blessing. Write them for any special information, addressing as above.

L. A. H.