Morningside Hospital (Oregon)

Morningside Hospital is a historical medical institution located in Oregon, United States. It was established in the early 20th century and served as a psychiatric hospital for the Alaskan population.

History

Morningside Hospital was founded in 1904 by Dr. Henry Waldo Coe, a prominent physician and politician in Oregon. The hospital was initially established to provide care for the mentally ill residents of Alaska, as the territory did not have its own mental health facility at the time.

The hospital was originally named Sanitarium of Portland but was later renamed to Morningside Hospital in 1911. Over the years, the hospital expanded its services and facilities, becoming a significant institution in the field of psychiatry and mental health in the Pacific Northwest.

Facilities and Services

Morningside Hospital was equipped with modern facilities for its time. It had separate wards for male and female patients, a surgical suite, a laboratory, and a pharmacy. The hospital also had recreational facilities such as a library, a gymnasium, and outdoor gardens.

The hospital provided a range of services including psychiatric care, surgical procedures, and pharmaceutical treatments. It also offered occupational therapy and recreational activities as part of its holistic approach to mental health care.

Closure and Legacy

Morningside Hospital closed its doors in 1968, following the passage of the Alaska Mental Health Enabling Act in 1956, which led to the establishment of mental health facilities in Alaska. The hospital's closure marked the end of an era in the history of mental health care in the Pacific Northwest.

Today, the legacy of Morningside Hospital lives on through the records and memories of those who worked and were treated there. The hospital's history provides valuable insights into the evolution of mental health care in the United States.

See Also

• History of Psychiatry
• Mental Health Care in the United States
• Henry Waldo Coe