Sanitarium Relief Campaign by L. A. Hansen

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jun 2, 1910

Sanitarium Relief Campaign

By L. A. Hansen

Some Reasons for Sanitarium Debts

THE causes for the indebtedness on our sanitariums are traceable to conditions that may be easily understood. While each institution may have its own peculiar situation, there is a general situation affecting all more or less alike. As we call upon our people for assistance to meet the needs of this work, they should be made acquainted, as far as possible, with all the details of the situation.

Original Indebtedness

Several of our larger sanitariums came under full denominational ownership and control a few years ago, with a total indebtedness of nearly half a million dollars. While these institutions as a whole have since succeeded in making a very favorable gain, having doubled their present worth, this has been with an outlay of considerable means. Pressing obligations have been met, necessary repairs and improvements made, and running expenses paid. Varying conditions of prosperity have existed, and there have been many trying experiences. It must be evident that the struggle has been a hard one. On the whole, however, much has been gained. Men and institutions have really done well, not only holding their own, but making headway under most trying conditions.

Initial Indebtedness

A number of our newer sanitariums have been established, with an initial indebtedness resting upon them; that is, they have not been fully paid for when started. It is very much the same in establishing sanitariums as in starting any other enterprise, such as a publishing house, a school, or even a church building. The demand seems positive, and those concerned feel it their duty to do the best they can to meet the demand. The conditions may seem to warrant that they even go in debt, in order to secure what is so greatly needed and desired. Sometimes there is no idea of creating an indebtedness in the launching of the new enterprise. Perhaps the cost is underestimated. There may be necessary changes in the original plans, which require a larger outlay. Various disappointments may come, or unexpected conditions arise, that prove costly. Very often the cost of an enterprise far exceeds the first estimates. So in the erection of several of our sanitariums, debts have been created for which those connected with their establishment can hardly be blamed. The conference membership has generally authorized the proper boards and committees to go forward, and these have acted according to their best judgment. Circumstances over which they have had no control have arisen, resulting contrary to the expectations of all concerned. Or, as already suggested, the indebtedness may have been duly considered at the start.

Whether the indebtedness is justifiable some may question; but there is no doubt on the part of any one as to the desirability of getting rid of it. As these institutions have been started with denominational sanction and support, we have a responsibility in bearing the burdens connected with their establishment.

Paying Interest

It will be readily seen that the interest on the original indebtedness already spoken of must have been an item of no small consequence. At five per cent, it has meant the outlay of about twenty-five thousand dollars a year. The interest on the initial indebtedness mentioned amounts to about the same. So our sanitariums are paying out, in interest money, about fifty thousand dollars a year. Interest works day and night, the year round. The constant drain to meet this continual demand must be a very material factor in determining the financial condition of our sanitariums. This one item is sufficient in itself to cover all the deficits of all the sanitariums that come short in their operating earnings. How can we get rid of this interest obligation? — Only by disposing of the interest-bearing debts.

Insufficient Constituency

There is another feature — but, happily, one for which there is a remedy —, that we can reasonably regard as partly to blame for the condition of our health institutions,— our sanitarium constituency has not been developed in proportion as we have developed sanitariums. During the past eight or ten years there has been on our own part a large increase of interest in sanitarium work. During this time we have established more sanitariums than ever before. But we have not kept pace with this work in the matter of interesting and educating the public so that these institutions would all have the necessary patronage.

At one time we had but few sanitariums, rather widely separated. Our people as a whole took an interest in their support. They were active in recommending others to patronize them. In general a live interest was shown in the health work, and much educational effort was put forth. As interest in this work increased, and a good patronage developed, there came a demand for more sanitariums, and within shorter distances. These were established, sometimes several in a territory that had previously supported but one. The cost of sanitarium

support was thus considerably increased, but the existing patronage was divided.

It takes more than beautiful sites, lovely views, or roomy buildings to make a sanitarium a success. There is not a large company of sick people waiting to go into a sanitarium as soon as it is opened. The people must be educated, and the foundation laid in a good, substantial demand, in order to secure a suitable patronage for such an institution.

The outlook at the present time is encouraging. There has been a natural growth in the local patronage of our sanitariums. Results are being seen of such effort as has been put forth by these institutions in educational work, of their legitimate advertising, and of their satisfactory service. Their work is becoming better known. Great care is also being exercised in the establishment of new institutions.

Opportunity of Relief

The conditions herein presented are such as can be met, as far as the future is concerned. For this we should be grateful. The means of relief should be gladly taken up. The relief campaign will enable us to secure the money to meet interest-bearing accounts, and thus dispose of a heavy burden. The work of our people in visiting their friends and neighbors with “Ministry of Healing” and Life and Health will result in a great increase of interest on the part of the public in our sanitariums, and thus bring to them a much larger patronage. And this will be still further augmented by placing in the hands of the people three hundred sixty thousand books and nine hundred thousand journals.

L. A. HANSEN.