Celebrating a Century of Excellence
Governor proclaims May 9 as The Children’s Hospital Day
The Children's Hospital breaking new ground
over the years: 1916 and 2004.
(Denver, May 9, 2008) – Gov. Bill Ritter declared May 9 The Children’s Hospital Day in recognition of Children’s 100-year birthday.
Founded on May 9, 1908, The Children’s Hospital began as a summer tent hospital for babies and became the first pediatric medical facility in Denver.
In the beginning
The first Children’s Hospital was a converted residence with a capacity of 30 beds. It quickly outgrew its original location and with dedication and determination of Dr. Minnie Love, $200,000 was raised to build a new hospital, which opened in 1917 at 19th Avenue and Downing Street in Downtown Denver.
Common pediatric challenges of the day were basics, such as clean drinking water, sterilized milk (a rarity), tonsillitis, indigestion, orthopedics and “infant feeding,” a common description at the time for a variety of nutritional problems.
Today and beyond
This year, The Children’s Hospital celebrates 100 years of pediatric healthcare excellence. Continually recognized as one of the nation’s outstanding hospitals by U.S. News & World Report and Child Magazine, The Children’s Hospital is known both for its nationally and internationally recognized medical, research and education programs as well as the full spectrum of everyday care for kids throughout Colorado and surrounding states.
With more than 1,000 healthcare professionals representing a broad range of pediatric specialties, The Children’s Hospital Network of Care includes our state-of-the-art new main campus, 14 Children’s Care Centers and more than 400 outreach clinics.
