Tuberculosis Program in Grand Rapids, Michigan

¹ Superintendent and Medical Director, Sunshine Sanatorium, Grand Rapids, Michigan.

If death rates prove anything, it may be interesting to note that our rate declined from 103 per 100,000 population in 1905, when the tuberculosis society was organized, to 52.3 in 1929. This shows a 50 per cent decrease in 24 years. From 52.3 in 1929 it dropped to 15.8 in 1944, a startling decrease of 70 per cent in only 15 years.

These things have been factors in this picture:

In 1923, our new Sunshine Sanatorium was opened. Modern approved tuberculosis treatment began at this time. The first pneumothorax was given in 1921 and thoracoplasties started about the same time.

In 1925, proceeds from our Annual Sale of Christmas Seals was returned to this county and education was greatly stimulated.

In 1929, tuberculin tests and x-ray examinations were started in our high schools and colleges and opened many doors for educational and preventive services.

Our free clinics were operated all during the depression years and at no time did the County Medical Society or any other organization exert pressure to have them closed.