Albuquerque Morning Journal

HEALTH FOR THE NATION.

It is good news that the management of the Southwestern Presbyterian sanatorium in this city has let the contract for a commodious new building to meet the rapidly increasing demand for treatment for tuberculosis at this institution. Another big local sanatorium is building an addition which will double its capacity, and a similar demand for accommodation is noted in other cities of New Mexico. The growth of one of New Mexico's greatest industries—the health factory—is more rapid and substantial than ever before.

It is becoming recognized that nowhere in the United States or in Europe are there better conditions for the cure of the white plague than in New Mexico. It is further recognized that the only way to cure the disease is by modern, scientific sanitary methods.

If the consumptive is to get well, he must have comfortable quarters, pleasant surroundings, nourishing food and expert care, and must be protected from himself.

The big Albuquerque institutions whose growth is now in evidence are proceeding on the most approved and successful lines. It is recognized that only the most rigid sanitary regime will assure the patient a chance to get well, and accordingly the big sanatoriums are much safer even when crowded with patients than the ordinary rooming house, private dwelling or public hotel frequented by sufferers from the disease.

The sanatorium movement is a great one and there is reason to believe that New Mexico is rising to the occasion and making proper preparation for discharging her responsibility as the national health-giver. The hope of the vast army of sufferers from a national scourge is in the southwest. We are well on the way toward solving the problem of curing these people without endangering the health of our own people. A further satisfactory phase of the situation that the campaign of education is having its results and people throughout the country are gradually learning that the southwest is not prepared to take care of those who have reached the last stage of physical and financial helplessness as a result of the disease.