The Jewish Hospital – Mercy Health in
Cincinnati, Ohio, is the first
Jewish hospital established in the United States.
History
Originally named The Jewish Hospital, the organization was established in either 1847 or 1850
in response to a
cholera
Cholera is an infection of the small intestine by some strains of the bacterium ''Vibrio cholerae''. Symptoms may range from none, to mild, to severe. The classic symptom is large amounts of watery diarrhea that lasts a few days. Vomiting and ...
epidemic for treating the affected Jewish population of Cincinnati. It was also a reaction to the fact that at other hospitals Jewish patients were subject to pressure from Christian missionaries seeking deathbed conversions, and also to provide for kosher dietary concerns of observant Jews. On March 30, 1890, the Jewish Hospital dedicated a new location on Burnet Avenue, near the
Jewish community in Mount Auburn and Avondale. It was the first anchor of what would become known as
Pill Hill as more hospitals were built nearby. Eventually, the Jewish community moved out of Mount Auburn and Avondale, leading to Jewish Hospital's move to
Kenwood in 1997.
The Jewish Hospital has earned accolades and distinction from various health ranking services, and is a former member of the Health Alliance of Greater Cincinnati, likewise a nationally recognized organization.
In 2009,
Mercy Health, also in Cincinnati, purchased the hospital for approximately $108 million. Under an agreement with the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati, Mercy Health will maintain the name and symbols of The Jewish Hospital, continue to respect Jewish holidays and traditions, and invest in the hospital's facilities and technology.
References
Further reading
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External links
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Jews and Judaism in Cincinnati
Hospitals in Cincinnati
Jewish medical organizations
Hospitals established in 1847
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