Nurses' Papers on Tuberculosis :: read before the Nurses' Study Circle of the Dispensary Department, Chicago Municipal Tuberculosis SanitariumChicago (Ill.). Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium. Dispensary Department
Science
Nurses' Papers on Tuberculosis :: read before the Nurses' Study Circle of the Dispensary Department, Chicago Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium
Chicago (Ill.). Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium. Dispensary Department
Tuberculosis
The credit of establishing the first Open Air School in America belongs,
as previously stated, to Providence, Rhode Island, where the work was
begun in January, 1908. The school was opened in a brick school house in
the center of the city. A room on the second floor was chosen and
remodeled by removing part of the south wall. For the wall thus removed
windows were substituted. These extended from near the floor to the
ceiling, with hinges at the top and with pulleys so arranged that the
lower ends could be raised to the ceiling. The desks were placed in front
of the open windows in such a manner that the children received the fresh
air at their backs and the light over their shoulders. Suitable clothing
was provided for cold weather and, in case of necessity, soapstone foot
warmers were used.
The school was started as an ungraded school and ten pupils were enrolled
at the time of its opening, the number later increasing to twenty-five.
Practically all children were selected by the visiting nurse of the local
League for the Suppression of Tuberculosis from infected homes under her
supervision. In a few instances children with moderately advanced lesions
were admitted.
The children reported at 9 a. m. and a recess was given at 10:30, when
they were served soup. At noon they had a light lunch of pudding served
with cream, hot chocolate or cocoa made entirely with milk. Some of the
children brought additional food from home. All of the cooking was done by
the teacher. Careful attention to general cleanliness and hygiene of the
teeth was insisted upon. Individual drinking cups and tooth brushes were
provided. The children took turns in washing dishes, setting the table and
helping to serve. Children were dismissed at 2:30 p. m. They were
provided with car tickets by the League for the Suppression of
Tuberculosis, some for traveling both ways, some for one way only,
depending upon the means of the family. During school session light
gymnastic exercises were given and proper methods of breathing taught. In
the spring they had a garden to work in.
The Providence school is at present a part of the general school system.
The school supplies and teacher's salary are furnished by the Board of
Education. Food and carfare are supplied by the League for the Suppression
of Tuberculosis. A physician is delegated by the League and one of the
regular Medical Inspectors of the city schools works in co-operation with
him.
Providence has at present two schools, with an attendance of forty. One
more Open Air School and two roof classes may be provided by the Board of
Education in 1914. In addition, the Providence League for the Suppression
of Tuberculosis conducts a Preventorium for thirty children at the
Lakeside Preventorium, Rhode Island.
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