Student Public Health Surveys collection

Collection

Identifier: 2004-025

Staff Only

Content Description

Materials include public health surveys of Pacific Northwest cities and towns, around 1930 to 1932. Two reports indicate that the surveys were required for the course in Public Health taught by Dr. Harry J. Sears. The bulk of the surveys were conducted in Oregon, including Salem and smaller towns throughout the state. Additionally, surveys are included for cities and towns in Washington (including Seattle), Montana, Idaho, and Alaska.

Nearly all of the surveys have a similar table of contents and are divided up into these headings: Descriptive data; Organization of Health Department Activities of non-official health agencies; Health Department administration; Vital statistics; Control of communicable diseases; Venereal diseases; Public health nursing; Control of milk supply; Control of foodstuffs; Control of barber shops, beauty parlors, bath houses; Public toilet facilities; Control of water supply; Control of excreta disposal; General sanitation; Industrial conditions; and Summary Recommendations. Included are official forms, photographs, newspaper clippings, maps, pamphlets, health codes and ordinances, some climatological data, and a significant amount of public health data.

As of 2017, all surveys from the state of Oregon have been digitized and are available online, with data transcriptions available, through the LSTA-funded "Public Health in Oregon" project of OHSU.

Dates

1884-1947
Majority of material found within 1931-1932

Conditions Governing Access

There are no restrictions on access. This collection is open to the public.

Conditions Governing Use

OHSU Historical Collections & Archives (HC&A) is the owner of the original materials and digitized images in our collections, however, the collection may contain materials for which copyright is not held. Patrons are responsible for determining the appropriate use or reuse of materials. Consult with HC&A to determine if we can provide permission for use.

Historical Note

This collection is composed of public health surveys of towns primarily located in the Pacific Northwest conducted between 1930 and 1932. The reports were required for a Public Health course taught by Harry J. Sears at the University of Oregon Medical School (UOMS). Dr. Sears was the first chair and professor of the Department of Bacteriology at UOMS.

Extent

1.67 Linear Feet (4 document boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

This collection is composed of public health surveys of towns primarily located in the Pacific Northwest conducted between 1930 and 1932 and includes information on topics such as diseases, foodstuffs, and water supply. As of 2017, all surveys from the state of Oregon have been digitized and are available online, with data transcriptions available, through the LSTA-funded "Public Health in Oregon" project of OHSU.

Arrangement

The surveys are arranged by state, within each state the towns are arranged in alphabetical order. When there is more than one survey of a town, the surveys are arranged chronologically. The county surveys follow the towns.

Related Materials

City of Portland Public Health Survey Records (2005-012); Harry J. Sears Papers (2008-015) and Glass Lantern Slide Collections (2005-009); Portland Free Dispensary Letters Collection (2005-010); People's Institute Glass Lantern Slide Collection (1999-010); People's Institute and Portland Free Dispensary: Minutes of the Board of Directors Meetings (2001-002); People's Institute and Free Dispensary Records (2008-010); Harold T. Osterud Papers (2004-004)