Civic Activism

Abstract Charles M. Grossman (1914-2013) was an instructor at the University of Oregon Medical School; conducted research on the first use of Penicillin clinically, mushroom poisoning, and blood work leading to patents on an early dialysis machine; and later served as co-organizer of the Portland Chapter of the Physicians for Social Responsibility. This collection contains a variety of papers, reprints, travel brochures, correspondence, news clippings, reports, magazine articles, ephemera, bound...

Abstract Founded in 1961, Physicians for Social Responsibility made its mark by documenting the presence of highly radioactive waste products from atmospheric nuclear testing that led to the Limited Nuclear Test Ban treaty. Their work for the environment and public health continued, focusing on issues such as ending the nuclear arms race, global climate change and toxic pollution, the role of oil and diplomacy in conflict, research and development of renewable energy technologies, decreasing U.S. oil...

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The People’s Institute worked to provide social services for the urban poor while the Portland Free Dispensary was an early effort to provide health services to the underserved. They served as a model of collaboration between the city’s charitable organizations and its medical community. This collection contains a variety of reports, correspondence, and other materials relating to the work of the People's Institute and Portland Free Dispensary.

Abstract

These materials come from Joy Spalding's research and writing on the history of the Portland chapter of the Physicians for Social Responsibility. Materials include correspondence, meeting minutes, campaign information, articles and clippings, reports, and ephemera.