Marine Hospital Service

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MarineHospitalServiceSeal

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Flag of the United States Marine Hospital Service

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Old Marine Hospital (Charleston)

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U.S. Marine Hospital, Staten Island, NY (14359401805)

LouisvilleMarineHospital

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Flag of the United States Public Health and Marine-Hospital Service

Marine Hospital Service

The Marine Hospital Service was a component of the United States Public Health Service (PHS) and was established in 1798 to provide health care to sick and injured merchant seamen. The service was the precursor to the modern United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps.

History

The Marine Hospital Service was created by an act of Congress on July 16, 1798, which authorized the establishment of marine hospitals and a fund for the care of sick and disabled seamen. The service was initially funded by a tax on the wages of sailors, which was collected by the United States Customs Service.

In 1870, the Marine Hospital Service was reorganized under the leadership of John Maynard Woodworth, who was appointed as the first Supervising Surgeon (later known as the Surgeon General of the United States). Woodworth established a cadre of medical professionals who were commissioned as officers in the Marine Hospital Service, laying the foundation for the modern United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps.

Functions

The primary function of the Marine Hospital Service was to provide medical care to merchant seamen, but its responsibilities expanded over time. The service played a significant role in controlling the spread of infectious diseases, conducting medical research, and providing medical care during national emergencies.

Evolution

In 1902, the Marine Hospital Service was renamed the Public Health and Marine Hospital Service to reflect its broader responsibilities. In 1912, it was renamed again to the United States Public Health Service, which continues to operate today.

Legacy

The Marine Hospital Service laid the groundwork for the modern public health system in the United States. Its establishment marked the beginning of federal involvement in public health and the development of a national system for the care of sick and injured seamen.

Related Pages

• United States Public Health Service
• United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps
• Surgeon General of the United States
• John Maynard Woodworth
• United States Customs Service