Fairview Sanatorium

Fairview Sanitorium Normal-Illinois 20240409 0163

Fairview Sanatorium was a healthcare facility dedicated to the treatment of tuberculosis patients. Established in the early 20th century, the sanatorium was part of a broader public health effort to combat tuberculosis, a disease that posed a significant public health threat before the advent of effective antibiotics.

History

The history of Fairview Sanatorium reflects the broader history of tuberculosis treatment and the sanatorium movement. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, tuberculosis, also known as consumption, was one of the leading causes of death worldwide. The disease was highly stigmatized, and those affected were often isolated in sanatoriums, which were institutions dedicated to the treatment of long-term illness. The establishment of Fairview Sanatorium was a response to the urgent need for specialized facilities to care for tuberculosis patients.

Treatment and Care

The treatment at Fairview Sanatorium, like that at other sanatoriums of the time, focused on rest, nutrition, and fresh air. Patients were encouraged to spend much of their time outdoors on large porches or in pavilions designed to maximize their exposure to fresh air, a practice based on the then-prevailing belief that tuberculosis was best treated with rest and exposure to good air quality. The sanatorium also provided educational programs to teach patients about the nature of their illness and how to manage it, aiming to reduce the disease's spread upon their return to the community.

Decline and Closure

The need for sanatoriums began to decline in the mid-20th century with the development of effective antibiotic treatments for tuberculosis, notably streptomycin. As the incidence of tuberculosis decreased and outpatient treatment became more feasible and effective, many sanatoriums, including Fairview Sanatorium, faced closure. The buildings of some former sanatoriums have been repurposed, while others have been demolished or abandoned.

Legacy

The legacy of Fairview Sanatorium is intertwined with the history of tuberculosis treatment and the evolution of public health strategies. It serves as a reminder of the challenges faced in combating infectious diseases before the era of modern antibiotics and the importance of public health infrastructure.