Progress in Tuberculosis Work
The National Association for the Study and Prevention of Tuberculosis, headquarters of which is 105 East 22nd Street, New York City, reports that 1909 was the banner year in their work; and for that we are glad. Before 1905 there were 115 hospitals and sanatoriums established for the betterment of tuberculosis patients. During 1905 there were 19 added; the next year, 17; the next, 35; in 1908, 71; 1909, 133. The total number January 1, 1910, was 386. Associations and dispensaries have multiplied in about the same ratio. There are now 394 associations working along the same lines, and 265 special tuberculosis dispensaries. In the past year over 31,000 patients were treated in these sanatoriums and hospitals, giving a total of more than three million hospital days' treatment; and of the 31,000 patients treated, about one half were discharged as improved to a greater or less extent, and a large percentage of the incipient cases as cured. There was expended in these sanatoriums and hospitals $5,292,289.77. The associations expended over $975,000, and the dispensaries an amount exceeding $640,000; while various municipalities spent more than $1,100,000. More than ten million pieces of literature were distributed; which would certainly indicate that the people were becoming much more intelligent regarding the prevention and cure of the great white plague. The most of this work was done in New York, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts; in fact, far more in these three states than in all the rest of the United States. Surely it is a good work which is being done; and every one, according to his means and opportunities, ought to help it along.