Friends Hospital facts for kids
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Friends Hospital
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Friends Hospital in 2010
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| Location | 4641 Roosevelt Boulevard, Frankford, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
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| Area | 100 acres (40 ha) |
| Built | 1813 |
| NRHP reference No. | 99000629 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | January 20, 1999 |
| Designated NHLD | January 20, 1999 |
| Psychiatric hospital | |
| Founded | 1813 |
| Headquarters | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
Friends Hospital is a special hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. It helps people who are dealing with mental health challenges.
This hospital was started in 1813 by a group called the Quakers. They first named it "The Asylum for the Relief of Persons Deprived of the Use of Their Reason." Later, it was called the "Frankford Asylum for the Insane." Friends Hospital was the very first private hospital in the United States created to help people with mental health needs. It is also the oldest one that has been open continuously since it started. The hospital's campus, which has been there since 1813, is now a National Historic Landmark. This means it's a very important historical place.
Friends Hospital is officially approved by organizations that make sure hospitals meet high standards. It is also licensed by the state of Pennsylvania.
Contents
What is Friends Hospital's Goal?
Helping People with Kindness
When Friends Hospital was founded in 1813, its main goal was clear. They wanted to provide a good place for people who were struggling with their minds. The hospital aimed to offer medical help and also "tender, sympathetic attention." This meant treating patients with kindness and understanding. The hope was that this gentle care would calm their minds and help them get better.
The Story of Friends Hospital
How It All Began in 1813
The Quakers started Friends Hospital in 1813 because they believed something important. They thought that everyone, no matter their challenges, could live a good life. This was possible if they were treated with kindness, respect, and dignity.
A respected Quaker leader named Thomas Scattergood saw how badly people with mental health issues were treated in other places. He spoke out against these harsh conditions. He called for "moral treatment," which meant treating patients with compassion and understanding. This idea inspired the creation of Friends Hospital. It became the first private psychiatric hospital in the United States.
The Greystone Program
A Home for Long-Term Support
On the grounds of Friends Hospital, there is a special program called the Greystone Program. It uses two houses, Greystone House and Hillside House. This program is a long-term home for people who have ongoing mental health conditions. Some people choose to live at Greystone permanently. Others stay there for a while and then move to a place where they need less support.
See also
- List of sites of interest in Philadelphia
