"MIRACLE HOUSE"

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 135, 5 December 1930, Page 11

"MIRACLE HOUSE"

HEALTH CAMP

CHRISTMAS SEAL FUND

You can help in tlic most important and the most hopeful campaign ever undertaken by the medical profession—that against tuberculosis. —Sir William Osier's last word to medical practitioners. In the leading countries of Europe and America there exist Tuberculosis Societies, which have materially assisted in bringing about the success of the Christmas Seal or charity stamp movement. No such organisation has yet been formed in New Zealand. It is gratifying to learn, however, that the co-operation of the Health Department, the Postal Department, and the Press is resulting in a steadily increasing interest of the public in this public health j measure. The suggestion has .been made that it would greatly strengthen the cause if the Mayors and Mayoresses of the boroughs of the Wellington district were, with their consent, appointed members ex officio of the Wellington Children's Health Camp Committee. £uch appointments would provide a form of territorial representation. This arrangement would also be helpful from that point of view when the selection is being made, on medical advice, of the children who are to receive the benefit of the permanent health camp which it i 3 hoped will'soon be established on the site generously given by Mr. Byron Brown at Otaki. This site has been approved by; medical officers of the Health Department as being eminently suitable for the purpose. Shortly after the site was decided on, some of the local residents planted the ground with shrubs ' and young trees. These plants of course need attention if thoy are to grow into.shelter treps for the camp. The following brief reference to a, successful permanent health camp will give some idea not only of the preliminary work to be done, but also of the oganisation required to make -health camps a complete success. As is generally 'known, • the camps are to form part of the campaign against tuberculosis, and are intended for delicate or under-nourished children —to assist in preventing the development of tuberculosis at the age when the affection almost invariably makes its first attack. ■; ■

"LIKENED TO A MIRACLE."

On the edge of; Chesapeake Bay, Maryland, a big white house stands nestled in a grove of pines. This big white house of frame construction does not differ materially from many other white houses located on the eastern shore. It is, however, distinguished for its work, and is known far and wide by the unusual name of the "Miracle House." This house has been maintained by the Maryland Tuberculosis Association for seven years as a preventorium for undernourished and underweight children, and is supported by money obtained from the annual Tuberculosis Christmas Seal sale. Accommodation is provided for 200 children, who arc well cared for by a staff of nurses. The institution is specially equipped for the comfort of the children when indoors, and there are spacious grounds for outdoor amusements. A regular programme, of sports, rest, etc., is carried out every day. There is medical supervision.' .-.■..'.■■ It may be of interest to state how it came to be called the'"Miracle House." Because of the, benefits derived by the children cared for during the past seven years, the parents who marvelled at the great change wrought in' tho appearance and condition of their little ones, likened the change to a miracle. It was not long until the Children's Preventorium was known as the "Miracle House." Located not far from the waters of Chesapeake Bay, the Miracle- House is blessed with the natural facilities needed in the care of the undernourished and malnourished child, enabling the children to receive the ever helpful benefits to be derived from fresh air, sunshine* salt bathing, and tho very necessary quietude and rest. The value of this permanent summer camp has been strikingly proved by the wonderful improvement in the health of the children.