In this video from Modern Woodmen's historical archives, the Modern Woodmen Tuberculosis Sanatorium is explained.
During the deadly tuberculosis epidemic of the early 1900s, Modern Woodmen opened a sanatorium just outside Colorado Springs, Colo., to provide aid to members stricken with the disease.
The tuberculosis sanatorium was recognized as one of the most outstanding institutions for the treatment of tuberculosis by the American College of Surgeons. At the height of its activity, the sanatorium had 155 employees, the capacity for 245 patients, and the most up-to-date equipment and procedures.
From 1909 to 1947, the sanatorium provided free treatment to more than 12,000 members. It offered board, lodging, treatment, medicine, dental work and laundering, all at no expense to the patient.
Tuberculosis was the leading cause of death among Modern Woodmen members when the society opened the Modern Woodmen Tuberculosis Sanatorium, and it didn't close until tuberculosis ranked eighth. The tuberculosis sanatorium became one of Modern Woodmen's greatest achievements in neighborly involvement.
