A TUBERCULOSIS SURVEY OF PHILADELPHIA

Abstract

T HE following paper is the result of an investigation conducted during the summer of 1922 under the auspices of the Philadelphia Health Council and Tuberculosis Committee. The study was undertaken for the purpose of ascertaining the magnitude of the tuberculosis problem,, and the facilities available for combating and preventing the spread of the disease. The investigation was also to serve as a basis for a program which the Philadelphia Health Council and other agencies engaged in combating tuberculosis might follow, in order to reduce the ravages of the disease. The survey was well organized, and was conducted with the co6peration of the Philadelphia Department of Health, the Philadelphia Department of Public Welfare, the State Department of Health, and numerous private welfare and public health agencies. The scope of the survey included a thorough study of the vital statistics for tuberculosis, the operation of tuberculosis clinics, hospitals and sanatoria, an analysis of the nutrition work in the public and parochial schools as well as in special camps and hospitals, a study of the facilities and sanitation of the open air schools and open window classes, the supervision over food handlers, public eating places, the public milk supply, and slaughter houses, the problem of housing, with particular emphasis on overcrowding and lack of sanitary facilities, public health education, and the organization and activities of official and voluntary agencies engaged in combating tuberculosis and in promotingthe general public health. Each of these factors will be considered in the summary given below. VITAL STATISTICS