Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
Bureau of Archives and History
Pennsylvania State Archives
RG-11
Records of the DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Series Descriptions
Please call the Archives Reference staff at (717) 783-3281 to inquire about
the exact nature of restrictions. Information in patient files is always restricted
to patients and immediate members of their families. Research access to any
restricted Department of Health records must be approved by that Department's
Institutional Review Board. The researcher will be required to submit a protocol
showing how he or she will use the data and protect confidential information.
Archivists will not be able to grant access until a researcher's project has
received approval from the Board.
Health Survey Forms,
1981, [undated].
(1 box)
{series #11.87} [Holdings]
Unarranged.
Blank copies of survey forms distributed by the Department of Health and/or its
contractors while conducting surveys and studies regarding the health effects
of adverse events within the Commonwealth. Survey topics include: annual hospital
and long term care facilities; exposure to toxic substances in Londonderry Township
well water; effects from the Three Mile Island (TMI) nuclear power station incident;
and leukemia and lymphoma in Carlisle Borough.
Miscellaneous Records,
1936, 1946-1967, 1978, 2000, [undated].
(1 box)
{series #11.83} [Holdings]
Unarranged.
Reports, hearing testimony, photographs, programs, a newsletter, an interview,
and memoranda related to Department activities. Included is: a radio interview
with Region 5 Director, Dr. Clayton B. Mather; Alfred Kraft's 1959 statement
presented to the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Problems of the Aged and Aging;
a memorandum regarding venereal diseases record keeping; photographs of department
secretaries; annual picnic materials; a newsletter from the Wisconsin Department
of Health and Social Services; and other miscellaneous reports.
Reports and Related Records,
1886, 1912-1917, 1928, 1938-1987, 1998.
(6 cartons)
{series #11.15} [Holdings]
Grouped by topic, and thereunder chronologically by date of report.
Reports, transcripts, and publications that were part of the library of the Department
of Health. Included are annual and biennial reports of the State Board of Health
and Vital Statistics, Department of Public Health, and the Department of Health,
1886, 1942-1944, 1950-1952, 1955-1967, 1969-1974, 1982-1983, 1984-1985; Pennsylvania
Health Bulletins, 1912, 1916-1917; Rules and Regulations of the Department of
Health, 1928; Organization and Functions of the Department of Health, 1938; a
Manual for Public Health Nurses, 1940; State Health Plans, 1976-1987; a study
of maternal mortality in Pennsylvania, 1976; public hearings and plans from the
Governor's Council on Drug and Alcohol Abuse, 1974-1980; the Governor's fact finding
committee reports on Shippingport Nuclear Power Station, 1979; Elizabethtown Hospital
for Children and Youth reports; and Pennsylvania County Data Books, 1987. (Other
County Data Books are available in County Data
Books, 1962-1987 {series #31.4}, in RG-31, Records of the Department of
Commerce)
The Secretary of Health is appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate
for a term of four years, with full executive control of public health affairs
within the Commonwealth. S/he formulates and implements departmental mission and
policies, enforces health statutes and regulations, directs the functions of the
Department through deputy secretaries, and represents the Department and administration
before the Legislature, other state agencies, professional organizations, the
health industry as a whole, and the general public. The Secretary is, by virtue
of office and/or statute, a chair or member of various health related boards,
commissions, and councils, some of which include the Advisory Health Board, the
Health Care Policy Board, the Advisory Council on Drug and Alcohol Abuse, the
Drug, Device and Cosmetics Board, the Children's Health Advisory Committee, the
Drug Policy Council, the Cancer Control Prevention and Research Advisory Board,
the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Council, and the State Board of Medicine
(see various editions of the Pennsylvania Manual for more).
General Correspondence and Related Records,
1930-1976, 1995-2003.
(68 cartons, 5 boxes)
{series #11.1} [Holdings]
Grouped chronologically by year, then grouped by correspondence type, and thereunder
arranged alphabetically by subject, organization, or correspondent or arranged
chronologically by date.
Routine correspondence of the Secretary accompanied by supporting materials. Topics
and correspondents include: the deputy secretaries, bureaus, divisions, offices,
boards, and commissions under the auspices of the Secretary and the Department
and academic and university medical centers. Subjects include The American Trauma
Association; biotechnology issues; the departmental budget, meetings and reorganization;
cancer; Certificate of Need; the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP); Community
Health Project; Community Nursing Services; disabilities; district visits; emergency
services; family planning including abstinence and abortion; grant activities;
health care cost summits; HIV/AIDS; implementation of the Economic Opportunity
Act; immunizations; information technology; insurance companies; invitations and
responses to events; Federal-State relations; Joint Committee on Health and Public
Assistance; county departments of health; legislative affairs; long-term care;
the Managed Care Steering Committee; Medicare; organ donation; the Pennsylvania
Health Council; personnel issues; the Physician General; public health assessment;
Republican Party materials; the Ridge Administration; the Safe Children Partnership;
the State Health Service Plan; Three Mile Island nuclear power facility; tobacco
use prevention; veterans' affairs; violence prevention; the vital records system;
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children); workers' compensation; the Voter Registration
Act; West Nile Virus; various associations, foundations, and societies; and day
to day office administration.
Legislative correspondence consists of communications with members of the General
Assembly while chronological correspondence contains only outgoing correspondence
from the Secretary. Correspondence from the terms of Peter J. Jannetta, M.D. (1995-1996),
Daniel F. Hoffman (1996-1999), Gary L. Gurian (acting, 1999), and Robert S. Zimmerman,
Jr. (acting, 1995; appointed 1999-2003) are present.
This series also contains: minutes of meetings; personnel rules and regulations;
transcripts of speeches delivered by the Secretary of Health and by employees
of the Department; weekly activity reports to the Governor's Office of the Budget
and General Counsel; semi-monthly reports from bureaus within the Department to
the Secretary; miscellaneous reports relating to all functions of the Department;
and organizational charts from the mid-1990s.
There is an overlap of records between 1939-1955 due to the retention of the bulk
of Advisory Health Board records by that Board until their transfer to the Department
of Health in 1980. Though this series is classified as correspondence, much of
the records it contains are subject files containing various record types, including
reports, event files, conference and symposium files, and project files.
Legal Opinions,
1920-1965.
(15 folders)
{series #11.2} [Holdings]
Arranged alphabetically by topic.
Records of legal cases and opinions relating to the operations at the Department
of Health consisting of certificates, letters, memoranda, rules and regulations.
Divided by program, each file contains a listing of major decisions or events
concerning specific topics. Individual file folders are present for the Bureau
of Sanitation, chronic diseases, executive correspondence, tuberculosis, housing,
industrial hygiene, local health service, maternal and child care, milk sanitation,
preventative services, sanatoria and the Crippled Children's Hospital, undertakers,
and vital statistics. Examples of the types of materials found in the various
files are an opinion by the Attorney General's office defining the authority granted
to undertakers with regard to issuing burial permits, an informal opinion on whether
the Department of Health had the right to take dust samples in a factory to determine
the risk of workers developing silicosis, certificates issued to field inspectors,
rules and regulation relating to disease control, and a memo concerning the administration
of medical examinations to students in public and private schools.
Official Portraits of the Secretaries of Health,
1905-1971.
(2 boxes)
{series #11.66} [Holdings]
Unarranged.
16" x 19", 20.5" x 25", and 20" x 27" official portraits
of the Secretaries of Health. Also included are the engraved name plates removed
from the portrait frames.
Present are:
- Samuel G. Dixon, M.D. (1905-1918) (Commissioner of Health)
- Edward Martin, M.D. (1919-1923)
- Charles H. Miner, M.D. (1923-1927)
- Theodore B. Appel, M.D. (1927-1935)
- Edith MacBride-Dexter, M.D. (1935-1939)
- John J. Shaw, M.D. (1939-1941)
- A.H. Stewart, M.D. (1942-1945)
- Harry W. Weest, M.D. (1945-1947)
- Norris W. Vaux, M.D. (1947-1951)
- Russell E. Teague, M.D. (1951-1955)
- Berwyn F. Mattison, M.D. (1955-1957)
- Charles L. Wilbar, Jr., M.D. (1957-1967)
- Thomas W. Georges, Jr., M.D. (1967-1970)
- Ellsworth R. Browneller, M.D. (1970-1971)
Publications,
1960, 1997-2000.
(1 box)
{series #11.79} [Holdings]
Arranged chronologically by publication date.
Publications issued and/or distributed by the Secretary. Included is Physician's
Guide, compiled for the purpose of providing physicians with ready reference
about the Department and its laws, regulations, procedures, and services. Also
present are summary reports of tuberculosis morbidity for the Commonwealth covering
the years 1996-1999. These reports contain data from Allegheny and Philadelphia
Counties as well as State Health Centers and other County and Municipal Health
Departments compiled by the Tuberculosis Control Program.
Records of the Secretary,
1996-2003.
(7 cartons, 3 boxes)
{series #11.78} [Holdings]
Grouped by Secretary, thereunder grouped by record type, thereunder arranged chronologically
by date.
Records maintained by individual Secretaries. Included are travel vouchers, speeches,
reports, project files, executive meeting files, working group files, budgetary
files and an appointment book maintained by Secretary Daniel F. Hoffman. Some
of these records cover the time while Hoffman was transitioning into the position
of Secretary from the position of Executive Deputy Secretary for Administration
and Management upon the resignation of Secretary Peter J. Jannetta. Hoffman's
speeches address the status of the Department's budget, HIV/AIDS prevention, HIV
and pregnancy, and his vision for health care in Pennsylvania and were delivered
at various locations, such as the University of Pittsburgh, the United Way of
Southeast Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Health Care Association, and the Sloan
School of Health Care Administration at Cornell University. Working group files
cover recommendations provided to the legislature regarding managed care legislation.
Budgetary files consist of monthly appropriation breakdowns, program review meeting
files, and follow-up memoranda.
Meeting files, health care policy conference files, appointment books, and a telephone
message record book maintained by Secretary Robert S. Zimmerman, Jr. are also
present. Meeting files are from the Temple University Health System Board of Governors,
of which Secretary Zimmerman was a member. These files consist of agenda, minutes,
operating results, and financial statements of the various entities of the Temple
University Health System, as well as a member directory and the By-Laws of the
Board of Governors. Also included are files from conferences sponsored by the
Milbank Memorial Fund Reforming States Group regarding health care policy creation
and reform, some of which address the creation of a Pennsylvania Public Health
Institute. Information about Kings College in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, received
in preparation of Zimmerman delivering a speech there, is also present.
Reports,
1928, 1930.
(2 folders)
{series #11.3} [Holdings]
Arranged chronologically by month.
Monthly reports to the Governor from the Secretary of Health and monthly reports
to the Secretary from various bureaus and divisions within the Department of Health.
Reports date from August to September 1928 and February to April 1930. Report
topics include statistical breakdowns provided by tuberculosis clinics, restaurant
inspections, and the Crippled Children's Hospital; information concerning the
approval of sewage disposal systems for schools; and educational activities conducted
in the Bureau of Nursing, the Division of Dental Services and the Division of
Child Health.
Office of Chief Counsel (1980- )
The Office of the Chief Counsel is responsible for providing policy input and
counsel to the Secretary of Health, the Physician General, deputy secretaries,
bureaus, and divisions of the Department on the interpretation of state and
federal statutes, regulations, policy directives and formal legal documents
to guide and assist the Department in carrying out its missions and mandates
in a lawful manner. It also reviews proposed legislation in conjunction with
the Office of State and Federal Relations and specifically affected program
offices to assure that legislation will achieve the mission and purposes of
the Department in the most efficient and practical means. The Office of Chief
Counsel also represents the Department in courts of law and before regulatory
agencies. The office covers responsibilities formerly within the Office
of Legal Counsel (1968-1970) and the Department of Justice (1970-1980).
Regulations,
1983-1989, 2001.
(3 cartons, 1 box)
{series #11.67} [Holdings]
Arranged numerically by regulation number.
Chief Counsel copies of correspondence, forms, and rule-making documents filed
with the Legislative Reference Bureau relating to the adoption, revision, and
repeal of regulations within Title 28 (Health and Safety) of the Pennsylvania
Administrative Code. These regulations are under the jurisdiction of, or relating
to, the functions of the Department of Health and its entities. Forms and rule-making
documents consist of transmittal and analysis forms and change notification letters.
Regulations cover registration fees, drug and alcohol programs, adoption, scheduling
of controlled substances, operating boats and automobiles under the influence,
drug and alcohol testing devices, treatment of newborns, depth of graves, hospital
building codes, paramedics, surgical assistants, home health care, generic drug
formulary, tuberculosis testing, abortion, access to vital records, school health
reporting, disease reporting and control, certificate of need batching, lead poisoning
and toxicity, emergency medical services, preferred provider organizations (PPOs),
and health maintenance organizations (HMOs). Copies of the Pennsylvania Bulletin
are also present.
Office of the Deputy Secretary
for Environmental Protection
The Deputy Secretary for Environmental Protection was responsible for the Bureau
of Environmental Health that consisted of five divisions: air pollution control,
environmental safety, occupational health, sanitary engineering, and sanitation.
The activities of these divisions encompassed all programs concerned with the
public health aspects of the environment. The Bureau administered preventive
and control measures through seven regional offices and from the central headquarters
in Harrisburg. In 1971 the responsibilities of this Bureau were transferred
to the Department of Environmental Resources and the Department of Conservation
and Natural Resources. Related materials concerning the environment may be found
in the Records of the Department of Environmental
Resources (RG-43) and materials relating to occupational safety will
be found in the records of the Industrial
Board of the Department of Labor and Industry (RG-16).
Meeting File,
1963, 1966-1970.
(3 cartons)
{series #11.12} [Holdings]
Arranged chronologically by date of meeting.
Testimonies and transcripts of speeches by Wesley E. Gilbertson, Director of the
Bureau of Environmental Health and later, Deputy Secretary of Environmental Protection.
Each folder contains correspondence, newspaper clippings, or reports concerning
events at which Mr. Gilbertson delivered addresses. Examples of groups before
whom he spoke include the Highway Safety Committee of the Pennsylvania House of
Representatives, the National Sanitation Foundation, the Pennsylvania Home Builders'
Association, the Dickinson College Public Affairs Symposium, the Meadville Rotary
Club, the Pennsylvania Federation of Sportsmen and the American Society of Civil
Engineers. Topics addressed include solid waste management, health problems in
urban areas, sewage treatment, and environmental pollution.
Office of the Deputy Secretary for
Planning and Quality Assurance
The Deputy Secretary for Planning and Quality Assurance was charged
with assuring compliance of health planning, quality assurance, and health care
development and financing programs under state and federal regulations. The
Deputy Secretary represented the Secretary of Health on various boards and commissions
such as the Nursing Home Loan Agency and the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee.
Later styled the Deputy Secretary of Quality Assurance and Health Planning,
this individual was responsible for managing the Bureau of Quality Assurance,
Bureau of Community Programs Standards, Bureau of Health Care Financing, and
Bureau of Health Planning.
Pennsylvania State Health Plan File,
1948-1987.
(8 cartons)
{series #11.13} [Holdings]
Grouped chronologically by year, and thereunder by type of record.
The Hospital Survey and Construction Act of 1946 (also known as the Hill-Burton
Program) was established as a joint federal-state program to provide matching
grants for constructing hospitals and health centers. The program was administered
in Pennsylvania by the Department of Public Welfare until July 1, 1973 when the
administration of the program was transferred to the Department of Health. Beginning
in 1974, the Bureau of Planning in the Department of Health worked with the statewide
Health Coordinating Council in developing the Pennsylvania State Health Plan.
The National Health Planning and Resources Development Act of 1974 superseded
the Hill-Burton Program and on December 9, 1982, the program was terminated.
The health plan file consists of six sub-series: Annual hospital plans for Pennsylvania,
1948-1957; Annual Pennsylvania state plans for hospitals and medical facilities,
1957-1976; Pennsylvania state health plan, 1979-1989, 1981-1986, 1982-1987; Annual
hospital surveys, 1970-1972; Annual surveys of skilled care and intermediate care
facilities, 1972-1975; and Advisory Hospital Council minutes, 1948-1975. The plans
contain information about the administration of the Hill-Burton program, an inventory
of existing hospitals and other medical facilities, and schedules of priorities
for construction grants for various types of eligible facilities. Under the program,
eligible facilities included general hospitals, long-term care facilities, outpatient
facilities, teaching hospitals attached to medical schools, rehabilitation facilities,
mental health facilities, and public health centers. The annual hospital survey
provides information on the number, service, and utilization of hospital beds;
the status of new construction; and statistics relating to outpatient services.
The annual survey of skilled care and intermediate care facilities is a statistical
report providing information on the number of beds available and the number of
patients admitted during a twelve month period. In addition, the survey contains
data on construction and modernization at existing facilities. The Advisory Hospital
Council advised the state agency on the distribution of the federal Hill-Burton
funds among Pennsylvania's hospitals.
State Supervised Hospitals' History File,
1966-1976.
(2 cartons)
{series #11.14} [Holdings]
Arranged alphabetically by name of hospital.
Correspondence and reports relating to hospitals supervised by the Department
of Health. Included are copies of inspection reports submitted to the United States
Department of Health, Education and Welfare (Social Security Administration).
Among the items found are certifications and transmittals (SSA-1539), hospital
requests to establish eligibility in the health insurance for the aged program
(SSA-1514), hospital survey reports (SSA-1537), utilization reviews (SSA-1538),
hospital pre-survey questionnaires (SSA-25636), statements of deficiencies and
plans of correction (SSA-2567), and post-certification revisit reports (SSA-2567B).
Office of Legal Counsel (1968-1970)
Formerly the Division of Law within the Bureau of Administration and Management
(1963-1968), the Office of Legal Counsel rendered legal advice and assistance
to the Secretary of Health and was responsible for legal advice and consultation
within the Department of Health, including the various administrative agencies
within the Department. Proposed legislation, regulations, contracts, interpretation
of laws, request for Attorney General opinions, and other matters requiring legal
assistance were reviewed or prepared by the Office. Letters, publications, pamphlets
or actions originating within the Department which raise and involve legal questions
were also reviewed by the Office in advance of release. In 1970, the Department
of Justice assumed the responsibilities for this office, but in 1980 the responsibilities
were transferred back to the Department, within the Office
of Chief Counsel.
Health Litigation Activity Records,
1978-1989.
(31 cartons, 1 box)
{series #11.40} [Holdings]
Arranged chronologically by date of hearing.
Litigation files concerning health issues. Some case files contain verbatim transcripts
of the hearings, court papers, briefs for appellant and respondent, exhibits,
correspondence, questions asked of witnesses and their answers, notes, dispositions
and petitions. Some cases include the Luzerne County Medical Society, Department
of Health, Pennsylvania Lung Association, and various hospitals.
Record of Hearings and Legal Opinions,
1953-1970.
(53 cartons, 1 box)
{series #11.41} [Holdings]
Arranged chronologically by the date of the hearing or opinion.
These were originally case files of the Deputy Attorney General for the Sanitary
Water Board. The records cover topics such as sewerage problems, water pollution,
flood control projects, mine drainage, litigation, coal research, the Appalachian
Project, air pollution, and Sanitary Water Board Hearings. The suits were primarily
against townships, municipalities, and coal and other manufacturing industries.
Information found in the case files includes the names of the plaintiff and defendant
and correspondence between Deputy Attorney and others. Some files contain police
reports, adjudication reports, hearing transcripts, and dockets. Related materials
are found in the records of the Bureau of Community Environmental Control, Bureau
of Deep Mining Safety Bureau of Legal Services, Bureau of Mining and Reclamation,
and the Environmental Hearing Board among others in the Records of the Department
of Environmental Resources. (RG-43).
Bureau of Children's Services
The Bureau of Children's Services administers all programs concerned with the
health of the Commonwealth's children. The Division of Childrens's Rehabilitative
Services is responsible for developing programs and evaluative criteria for
orthopedic and cardiac services. The Division of Maternal and Child Health Services
is responsible for developing and evaluating programs pertaining to the health
of children from conception to school age. The cleft, palate, speech and hearing,
and family planning programs are also administered here. The Division of School
Health is responsible for insuring the health and safety of school children.
History and Analysis of the Bureau of Children's Services,
1976.
(1 volume)
{series #11.91} [Holdings]
Arranged by content headings.
A draft manual written by Dr. Annette Lynch, Director of the Bureau of Children's
Services, as a comprehensive history and analysis of the Department of Health's
children's programs. Topics covered include History of Public Health Services
for Children, Policies of the Department of Health, Health Status and Health
Needs of Children, Future Directions, Current Status and Future Plan.
Bureau of Communicable Diseases (1997- )
Formerly a Division within the Bureau of Preventive Health Programs (1995-1996),
the Bureau of Communicable Diseases reported to the Deputy Secretary for Public
Health (1997-2002) and afterwards the Deputy Secretary for Promotion and Disease
Prevention (2003- ). It administers programs to control the spread of communicable
diseases and to care for those already infected; coordinates statewide HIV/AIDS
(Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) prevention
and service programs through the Department's six regional offices and seven
regional community-based AIDS coalitions; provides testing for tuberculosis
and treats those infected, including the use of Direct Observed Therapy (DOT);
and counsels and tests for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The Bureau
also updates required immunization schedules to meet national standards, monitors
school age populations, and develops programs to increase immunization levels
in the Commonwealth.
Annual Report,
2001.
(1 item)
{series #11.69} [Holdings]
Unarranged.
2000-2001 Annual Report of the Bureau of Communicable Diseases, detailing the
Bureau's mission, operations, and budget, as well as the services provided, statistics,
and accomplishments of its four major programs that address HIV/AIDS, immunization,
tuberculosis, and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Division of HIV/AIDS
Formerly the Bureau of HIV/AIDS (1991-1996).
Field Operations Files,
1995-2000.
(9 cartons, 1 box)
{series #11.85} [Holdings]
Grouped by geographical area, thereunder arranged chronologically by fiscal year.
General files from District AIDS Coalitions, the Philadelphia AIDS Consortium,
and the AIDSNET Coalition. Included are minutes, by-laws, quarterly reports, out-going
correspondence with enclosures, regional services and strategic plan reports,
and monitoring summaries and reports which detail services and programs by organizations
and sub-contractors within the region. Files relating to the Keystone Amendment
and the Ryan White Care Act are also present. Some reports are accompanied by
3½" floppy disks. See Field Operations Files,
1991-1996 {series 11.77}, within the Bureau of HIV/AIDS for earlier records.
Bureau of Environmental Health (1955-1967)
Considered one of the major units of the Department, the Bureau of Environmental
Health oversaw five divisions; air pollution control, environmental safety,
occupational health, sanitary engineering, and sanitation. The activities of
these divisions encompassed all of the programs concerned primarily with the
public health aspects of the environment, as they are affected by the conditions
in which people work, live, and play. The Bureau administered its preventive
and control measures through state regional offices and from its central offices
in Harrisburg.
Division of Sanitary Engineering
Originally the Bureau of Sanitary Engineering (1933-1954),
this agency became a division under the Bureau of Environmental Health in the
1950s. The Division acted as an administrative arm of the Sanitary Water Board
in executing the Commonwealth's Clean Streams Program. This Program involved the
examination of plans for issuance of permits for the construction of sewerage
and industrial waste projects and mine drainage projects (except for bituminous
strip mine drainage). The Division conducted comprehensive water quality studies
and developed long range water quality management plans. During periods of flooding,
droughts, and epidemics the Division supplied resources in assisting with the
supervision of emergency sanitation measures. In 1971 the responsibilities of
this Division were transferred to the Bureau of Sanitary Engineering under the
Department of Environmental Resources. For related materials see the Records
of the Department of Environmental Resources (RG-43).
Engineering Plans for Sanitary Water and Sewage Systems,
1905-1969.
(4 cartons, 3 boxes)
{series #11.64} [Holdings] [APPOINTMENT
REQUIRED]
Grouped alphabetically by county. Some groupings are arranged alphabetically
by municipality.
246 microfilm rolls and 1,479 aperture cards of drawings, blue prints, maps,
flow diagrams and aerial photographs submitted with permit applications for
proposed water and sewer systems and facilities and industrial waste plants.
Plans depict operations buildings, pumping stations, sewers, manholes, storage
tanks, pipelines, mainlines, utility plans, site plans, and interior layouts.
Each image has an informational target containing the case name and application
number that the record belongs to. Applicants include municipalities, water
and sewer authorities, school districts/authorities, and private organizations.
Microfilm in this series are security copies and will require special handling
for viewing. Please make an appointment in advance by contacting the Pennsylvania
State Archives. (see acc. #128)
Industrial Waste Reports and Permits,
1924-1962.
(9 cartons)
{series #11.37} [Holdings]
Arranged chronologically by year.
Later volumes are indexed internally by name of company, township, or county.
A record of applications, agreements, permits and reports issued by the Sanitary
Water Board. The first volume documents waste disposal agreements made prior
to Act 394 and includes agreements with coal mines, gas works, tanneries, and
the coke and paper industries and the other volumes document agreements in compliance
with Act 394. Among the items present are letters of advice, letter permits,
and certificates of compliance. Most applications give the name of the company,
township and county where located, an application number, summary of the engineering
study, and a copy of the permit. Industries mentioned include Carnegie Illinois
Steel Corp, Castanea Paper Company, Willow Grove Damp Wash Laundry, Pennsylvania
Power and Light Company, and J.K. Mosser Leather Company. Related materials
may be found among the records of the Bureau of Deep Mining Safety, Bureau of
Mining and Reclamation, Bureau of Topographic and Geologic Survey, Bureau of
Water Quality Management, and Bureau of Water Resources Management, all
in the Records of the Department of Environmental
Resources (RG-43).
Water Supply and Sewage Report and Permit Books,
1905-1959.
(426 volumes)
{series #11.38} [Holdings]
Arranged chronologically by date of permit or report.
A record of water supply and sewage reports and permits issued by the Sanitary
Water Board to municipalities and private companies. Most reports and permits
are for sewerage and waterworks and the reports provide information on effluents
from local industries, regional population growth, river systems and comprehensive
sewage treatment plans. Until the 1920s permits and reports were bound separately
and were thereafter combined. An index to these materials was once held by the
Department of Environmental Resources and its successor, the Department of Environmental
Protection, but the index is no longer extant.
Your Clean Streams Program,
1958.
(1 item)
{series #11.88} [Holdings]
Unarranged.
Report issued jointly by the Division and the Sanitary Water Board to inform
the people of Pennsylvania about the Clean Streams Program. Information contained
in the report includes: water pollution issues in rivers and streams; water
treatment methods (industrial waste treatment, sewage treatment, mine drainage
control); history of water treatment in Pennsylvania; benefits of water treatment
on the general populace; increased water usage with population growth; and a
case history of the Schuylkill River clean-up project. .
Bureau of Epidemiology (1995-
)
Formerly part of the Bureau of Epidemiology and Disease
Prevention (1978-1994), the Bureau of Epidemiology reported to the Deputy
Secretary of Public Heath assessment (1995-1996), and afterwards the Deputy
Secretary for Health Planning and Assessment. It conducts epidemiological investigations
of ongoing communicable and chronic diseases and disease outbreaks. The Bureau
offers professional advice on measures necessary to contain these diseases,
develops and implements epidemiologic programs to address public health problems,
advises individuals and political jurisdictions on matters of infectious and
environmental health, and serves as a state contact for offices of the federal
Centers of Disease Control (CDC).
HIV/AIDS Surveillance and Epidemiology Section
HIV/AIDS Surveillance Quarterly Summary,
2000.
(1 item)
{series #11.81} [Holdings]
Unarranged.
Report issued by the Section in conjunction with the Bureau of Health Statistics
detailing the annual incidences and cumulative cases of HIV/AIDS in the Commonwealth.
Also included is data relating to the characteristics of AIDS cases for seven
geographical areas as well as publicly funded HIV counseling and testing.
Bureau of Epidemiology and Disease
Prevention (1978-1994)
The Bureau administered investigatory and educational health programs, as well
as developed preventive programs to reduce morbidity and mortality of chronic,
acute infectious, occupational, and environmental disease in humans. In addition,
it planned epidemiologic programs to address major public health issues within
the Commonwealth. The Bureau also advised the Deputy Secretary for Public Health
Programs and the Secretary of Health concerning communicable and chronic diseases
and control measures deemed necessary for the containment of such diseases.
For a brief period from 1989-1990, the Bureau administered HIV/AIDS activities
involving the coordination, maintenance, and implementation of health education,
counseling, testing, surveillance and other efforts related to epidemiology
prevention and control. The Bureau oversaw the Divisions of Epidemiology, Epidemiology
Research, Chronic Disease Control, Chronic Disease Intervention, Acute Infectious
Disease Control, Acute Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Occupational and Environmental
Health, Environmental Health, Communicable Disease Control and Surveillance,
and Health Promotion. In 1995 the responsibilities of the Bureau were redistributed
among the Bureau of Epidemiology, the Bureau
of Preventive Health Programs, and the Bureau of Maternal and Child Preventive
Health.
Coal Workers' Respiratory Disease Program Medical Evaluation
Files,
1976-1980.
(29 cartons)
{series #11.16} [Holdings]
Arranged chronologically by processing date of each batch.
Black lung medical evaluation forms that document the Department of Health program
to survey coal-related respiratory health problems in Pennsylvania. Information
furnished on the questionnaires about each patient includes the patient number,
county residence code, date the survey was completed, date of birth, race, status
as a miner, whether the patient was visiting the clinic for a respiratory examination
or for treatment, the patient's function level, a referral code, the status of
black lung benefits, the status of health insurance coverage, and the status of
pension or other benefits. Information is also found concerning clinical symptoms,
smoking history, occupational history, blood pressure, pulse rate, respiratory
rate, tuberculin reaction, influenza vaccine status, results of any laboratory
tests, a heart and lung evaluation, hemoglobin laboratory tests, pulmonary function
studies, arterial blood gas analysis, and a treatment history relating to medication,
respiratory therapy, oxygen therapy, physical therapy, counseling to discourage
smoking, referrals made for treatment, and other diseases noticed during the examination.
Pre-Natal Care and Pregnancy Evaluation Reports,
1974-1980.
(88 cartons)
{series #11.17} [Holdings] [RESTRICTED]
Arranged numerically by interview number.
A record of a five-year federally sponsored project initiated in 1972 to study
pre-natal care and pregnancy. Information provided on the 21 page confidential
questionnaire includes a card and interview number, the mother's name (masked)
and mailing address (township, borough or city), the child's name (masked), the
date of the delivery, the outcome of the delivery, the name of the hospital, the
name and address of the attending physician or clinic, the date of interview,
the name of the interviewer, the date the records were abstracted, and the names
of the abstractor, encoder, and verifier. There are 61 questions relating to pre-natal
care and maternal behavior, 15 questions relating to the mother's socio-economic
background, and 32 questions concerning medical information contained in hospital
or other health department records.
Division of Environmental Health
This Division developed policy and procedural guidelines for the reduction
and alleviation of environmental health problems; performed environmental health
surveillance and monitoring activities related to the health effects of specific
human exposure to environmental hazards; conducted environmental health and
epidemiologic studies; assessed and developed recommendations regarding potential
public health threats; and conducted outreach and information dissemination
activities, in order to educate residents of the Commonwealth about environmental
health hazards.
Vietnam Veterans' Herbicide Exposure and Health History Questionnaires
with Program Files,
1983-1990.
(28 cartons, 3 boxes, 8 computer tapes)
{series #11.18} [Holdings] [RESTRICTED]
Questionnaires are arranged alphabetically by surname of veteran. Background
materials and lists are grouped by record type, thereunder loosely arranged chronologically
by date.
Present are questionnaires sent to Pennsylvania veterans who served in Southeast
Asia in compliance with the provisions of the Vietnam Herbicides Information Act
(99-1982). This act, in addition to establishing the Vietnam Herbicides Information
Commission (VHIC), mandated that the Department of Health establish, promote,
and maintain a reporting process for veterans who were exposed to herbicides during
the Vietnam Conflict for the purpose of compiling data on the health effects of
this exposure. These questionnaires, developed by the VHIC, were the means for
this reporting process, providing the raw data used in the creation by the Division
of a Vietnam Herbicides Registry database. Information given includes: the veteran's
name, address, date of birth, age, social security number, marital status, and
race; whether a twin; branch of the military service; the dates of service in
Southeast Asia; total years of military service; the names of towns and the unit
to which assigned; the names of the herbicides exposed to; the conditions causing
the exposure; a list of any significant diseases contracted since that time; and
name of family physician. Questionnaires from 1984 are also available on microfiche.
Program Files consist of drafts of the questionnaire, requests for proposals for
developing the Vietnam Herbicides Registry, reports relating to the pilot study,
annual reports of the VHIC, confidentiality policies and procedures, requests
for reports from other agencies, i.e. the Department of Transportation and the
Department of Revenue, media releases, and proposals for studies to be conducted
with the resulting data. Also included is correspondence, service records, and
certificates of death sent as attachments with returned questionnaires.
Also included are database-generated lists and reports used by the Division, in
conjunction with the VHIC, in their effort to distribute the herbicide exposure
and health history questionnaires, as well as for statistical analysis. Included
is: a report generated by the Department of Revenue listing recipients of the
Vietnam Conflict Veterans Bonus from the Commonwealth, sorted by social security
number; four lists of Vietnam Conflict Veterans Bonus recipients, sorted by surname
or social security number; lists generated from the Vietnam Herbicides Registry
database sorted by registry number or by duplicated social security numbers and
form numbers; a listing of veteran grave registrations in Montgomery County; and
a report listing veterans with the surname of Edwards. Lists contain the veteran's
social security number, name, and address. At times, lists contain the veteran's
military service number, form and file number, age, date of birth, as well as
numerical codes for sex, race, county of residence and branch of military service.
Statistical analysis reports from the Registry database include: summaries of
answered to questions; number of respondents by zip-code; number of months served
by area; and exposure data. Address label reports generated by the Vietnam Herbicides
Health Registry for 1985 and 1988-1991 are also present.
Computer tapes are believed to contain names and social security numbers, received
from the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, of Pennsylvania veterans who received
the Vietnam bonus that are cross-matched against records of the U.S. Veterans
Administration, the Social Security Administration, and the National Death Index.
Access to information in these records is restricted to the veteran and members
of his or her immediate family.
Bureau of Health Communications
This Bureau was responsible for disseminating information concerning the Department's
programs and services to the news media and the general public. It also served
as a liaison between the Department of Health and the Governor's Office for
all facets of communication policy. These responsibilities became part of those
of the Office of the Press Secretary in 1978.
News Clipping Books,
1964-1965.
(2 volumes, 7 folders, 3 albums)
{series #11.19} [Holdings]
Arranged chronologically.
Books containing newspaper clippings and press releases relating to the functions
and activities of the Department of Health. Topics addressed include veterinary
drug registration, rent-free locations for child health conferences, transfer
of the Lawrence F. Flick State Hospital to the Department of Welfare, establishment
of a minimum age for exposure to chest x-rays, various public service announcements
on medical self-help training, and personnel changes such as appointments, promotions,
transfers, and resignations. Also addressed were enforcement of Sanitary Water
Board orders, proper canning procedures for preventing botulism, training of ambulance
attendants, fluoridation, banning of cigarette sales in tuberculosis hospitals,
asking airlines to discontinue distribution of sample cigarettes, Sanitary Water
Board sewerage permits and mine drainage permits, stringent enforcement of the
law forbidding the sale of tobacco to minors, the increase of the median population
age in Pennsylvania, the decrease of strontium 90 levels in milk, Sanitary Water
Board industrial waste permits, and meetings of Drug, Device and Cosmetic Board.
Other topics include state health centers, "bath tub" drug manufacturers, enforcement
of the Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act and the attendant required drug registration,
in-service training for nursing aides, public service announcements relating to
maternal death rates, Sanitary Water Board orders, a chest x-ray survey of state
employees, nutrition meetings in nursing homes, Pennsylvania Smoking and Health
Committee activities, and public service announcements relating to smoking and
alcoholism, medical self-help training courses, flood alerts, safety of public
water supplies in flooded areas, and a rise in the state mortality rate. Also
present are reports on the Pennsylvania Cancer Coordinating Committee and materials
relating to flood emergency sanitation measures, the Governor's Conference on
alcoholism among labor and management, a sulfuric acid spill into the Clarion
River, accidental poisonings, an institutional sanitary food service seminar,
new drug regulation proposals, cancer mortality rates, the shortage of physical
therapists, and the Pennsylvania Conference on Arthritis.
News Releases from the Division of Air Pollution Control,
1962-1965.
(1 volume, 1 folder)
{series #11.20} [Holdings]
Arranged by date of news release.
Topics covered by these news releases include the Pennsylvania Air Pollution Commission
report on the abatement of air pollution problems, concerns over inhalation of
second-hand cigarette smoke, orders and permits issued by the Commission, enforcement
of the clean streams law, and news concerning Commission hearings.
News Releases,
1964-1975.
(3 cartons)
{series #11.21} [Holdings]
Arranged chronologically by date of release.
News releases issued by the Public Relations Section relating to all aspects of
the operations of the Department of Health. Each news release has been labeled
along the top edge with a brief description of the subject.
Photographic File,
1944-1978.
(13 cartons, 47 boxes, 29 file drawers)
{series #11.22} [Holdings]
Arranged numerically by photograph numbers, which were assigned in chronological
sequence.
Partially indexed internally by topic.
A file originally maintained by the Division of Graphics containing approximately
11,500 original prints with matching negatives made by staff photographers from
1944 to 1978. The photographs provide a visual record of departmental activities
and were intended to contribute to the educational programs of the Department
of Health. The subjects reflect a wide range of departmental activities such as
drug control, communicable and chronic disease prevention, sanitary engineering,
air pollution control, dental health, environmental protection, occupational health,
housing, nursing, and children's health care. Other subjects include departmental
personnel and facilities, as well as other agencies, buildings, people, and programs.
Among the photographs are views of Governor Duff's 1947 inauguration and numerous
images of Pennsylvania's natural waterways. . Some photographs taken after 1974
are in color.
The series consists of three sub-series
· Mounted Prints
Most are 8" x 10" mounted prints made from 4" x 5" negatives. For photographs
taken after 1970 the negatives are 70mm and most prints are contact prints. Mounted
prints are arranged numerically and chronologically in 46 boxes. In addition to
the date and photograph number, each print is labeled with a brief caption.
· Original Envelopes and Extra Copy Prints.
Arranged numerically by photograph number, these photographic envelopes and extra
copy prints occupy 13 cartons. The original envelopes bear the photograph number,
a brief subject description, order information, and occasional remarks such as
the date a photograph was retouched, finished, or reordered.
· Negatives.
Housed in 29 file drawers, the negatives are sequentially numbered to correspond
with their respective copy prints. Negatives are available for most copy prints
and are restricted to use in making copies.
The sub-series are supplemented by a two-volume numerical log noting the date,
location, agency, and subject of each photograph. The search room finding aid
for the series also contains an incomplete topical index covering the period 1964
through 1971. This index identifies the following subject categories: administration,
air pollution controls, deputy secretaries, educational activities, executive
office, field services, housing and environmental control, nursing programs and
resources; planning, evaluation and research; sanitary engineering, special health
services, retirement awards, buildings, conferences, copies, exhibits, miscellaneous,
other departments, portraits, and scenic. Information recorded for each entry
in the index includes the subject category code, a description of the photograph,
the date and location where the photograph was taken, and the photograph number.
Bureau of Health Education
The purpose of the Bureau of Health Education was to integrate,
correlate, and promote educational activities conducted by the Department of
Health, fostering the concept that every member of the Department is also an
educator. Particular emphasis was placed on helping meet the health needs of
the Commonwealth by enhanced educational effort on a broad scale, and in making
every effort to shorten or close the time lag between the discovery of medical
knowledge and its application to the health needs of the people. These educational
responsibilities were subsequently dispersed among the various bureaus.
Photographs,
1908, 1957-1962.
(2 volumes, 7 folders, 3 albums)
{series #11.23} [Holdings]
Grouped chronologically by date of photograph.
A photographic record of annual conferences of the Department of Health. Subjects
are most often group portraits or conference scenes. Each photograph has a very
brief caption on the reverse. One folder contains 11 items relating to the 1908
Pennsylvania Tuberculosis Exhibit.
Bureau of Health Financing and Program Development
(1980-1994)
Formerly the Bureau of Comprehensive Health Planning (-1979), the Bureau of
Health Financing and Program Development, under the direction of the Deputy
Secretary for Planning and Quality Assurance, administered state regulatory
programs to ensure quality of care provided by and through Health Maintenance
Organizations (HMOs) and Professional Health Service Corporations. It supported
the development of alternative and competitive health delivery systems and promoted
the use of health financing systems to enhance competition and improve quality
and access. The Bureau also administered federal health manpower programs and
developed primary care resources in medically underserved areas. In 1995 the
Bureau was divided into the Bureau of Health Care Financing and the Bureau of
Health Planning, both under the direction of the Deputy Secretary for Quality
Assurance and Health Planning.
Division of Health Care Plans
Annual Reports of Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs),
1986, 1987, 1991.
(4 cartons)
{series #11.65} [Holdings]
Arranged chronologically by year of report and thereunder alphabetically by name
of organization.
Annual reports submitted to the Division accompanied by supporting records, such
as marketing materials, financial statements, by-laws, descriptions of coverage
provided, group and physicians contracts, and lists of participating physicians.
Some organizations represented include Central Medical Health Plan, Geisinger
Health Plan, Independent Health of Pennsylvania, John Hancock Health Plan of Pennsylvania,
Keystone Health Plan, Riverside Health Plan, Travelers Health Network of Pennsylvania,
and United States Healthcare Systems of Pennsylvania.
Bureau of Health Statistics
and Research (1997- )
Formerly the State Center for Health Statistics and Research
(the successor to the State Health
Data Center), the Bureau of Health Statistics and Research
reports to the Deputy Secretary of Administration. The Bureau
collects, analyzes, and disseminates a variety of health data
to assist in planning, administering, and evaluating programs
to improve the health status of Pennsylvanians. It also provides
statistical support services to other units of the Department
and to local health improvement partnerships; serves as the
repository for vital records; and administers a health research
program that awards tobacco settlement funds for biomedical,
clinical, and health services projects.
Birth Certificates,
1906-1907.
(50 cartons)
{series #11.89}
Arranged numerically by state file number.
Indexed externally by indices posted on the website of the Department
of Health.
Certificates maintained by the Division of Vital Records containing
information on births in Pennsylvania. Files also contain delayed
birth certificates authorized for persons not registered at
the time of their birth. Data in the certificates includes:
registration district number; primary registration district
number; file number; registered number; place of birth; address;
ward; full name of child; sex; whether twin, triplet, or other
and order of birth; legitimacy; and date of birth. Data on the
child's parents consists of full name of father with residence
birthplace, and occupation and full maiden name of mother with
residence, color, age, birthplace, and occupation. An attending
physician or midwife certified the information and provided
their address. The certificate is signed by the district
Registrar. Delayed birth certificates also provide abstracts
of supporting evidence, to include name and kind of document,
with the Director of Vital Records certifying that the evidence
has been viewed and a review of the department's files showed
no previous submittal.
Death Certificates,
1906-1962.
(1,905 cartons)
{series #11.90}
Arranged numerically by state file number.
Indexed externally by indices posted on the website of the Department
of Health.
Certificates maintained by the Division of Vital Records containing
information on deaths in Pennsylvania. Data in the certificates
includes: registration district number, primary registration
district number, file number, registered number, county, city,
address, ward, full name of deceased, sex, color, marital status,
date of birth, age, occupation, birthplace, name and birthplace
of father, name and birthplace of mother, and informant's signature
and address. Medical data provided is date of death, length
of attendance and last visit of physician, cause of death, duration
of illness, contributory factors, and name and address of physician.
Additional data includes length of residence if in hospital
or institution, where disease contracted, former or usual residence,
and where buried. An undertaker's name and address are provided.
Later death forms add: citizenship; social security number;
whether death was by suicide, homicide, or accident; place of
injury; date of operation and findings; and if decedent served
in the U.S. Armed Forces. If so, additional data is requested
on the reverse of form to include branch of service, war or
conflict served in if applicable, serial number, character of
discharge, dates of enlistment and discharge, organization and
rank at discharge, number of months overseas, and name of informant.
Bureau of HIV/AIDS (1991-1996)
Established in 1991, the Bureau of HIV/AIDS (Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired
Immune Deficiency Syndrome), whose responsibilities were formerly within the
Division of Acute Infectious Disease Control of the Bureau
of Epidemiology and Disease Prevention, directed activities involving
the coordination, maintenance, and implementation of health education, counseling,
testing, surveillance, and other efforts related to the prevention and control
of HIV/AIDS. This included a regional planning strategy consisting of nursing
consultation services, nursing care, counseling, testing, and partner notification.
The Bureau also coordinated prevention and service programs of the Departments
of Health and Public Welfare on issues related to the HIV epidemic and made
recommendations about the most appropriate strategies for the Commonwealth.
The Bureau provided a mechanism for information sharing and networking among
various coalitions and to arrange for joint responses to HIV-related problems.
In 1995, the Bureau added the additional responsibility of carrying out state
and federal mandated HIV/AIDS program activities through contracts with county
and municipal health departments and other health agencies, including the Department's
six district offices. In 1997, the Bureau became a Division within the Bureau
of Communicable Diseases.
Administrative Files,
1985-1995.
(5 cartons)
{series #11.76} [Holdings]
Grouped by subject matter, thereunder arranged chronologically by year.
General administrative files maintained by the Bureau. Included are budget files,
federal grant applications and information, and education and training materials.
Grant files cover the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) AIDS Prevention Project
grant, the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) grant, and the
HIV Care Grant Program (Ryan White Care Act). Education and training files include:
materials related to the development of information resources such as pamphlets
and videos; records pertaining to a Penn State University contract to conduct
a study to determine the extent of knowledge about HIV/AIDS within the Hispanic
community; a report on HIV/AIDS education in the Pennsylvania Correctional System;
and a physician survey relating to the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS.
Contract Files,
1986-1992.
(12 cartons)
{series #11.75} [Holdings]
Cartons 1-9 are arranged alphabetically by contractor name, thereunder arranged
chronologically by fiscal year. Cartons 10-12 are grouped chronologically by fiscal
year, thereunder arranged alphabetically by contractor name.
Service purchase contracts, correspondence, contract applications, expense reports,
audit reports and workplans from organizations contracted with the Department
of Health to provide health services to AIDS patients. Some services include counseling,
testing, education, and case management. Contracts contain the service purchase
contract number; contractors' name, address, and telephone number; the date prepared;
effective and termination dates of the contract; monetary amount of the contract
and the fund allocated from; services requested and their purpose; other conditions
and agreements; and the agency and contractor contacts. Contracts taking effect
in the late 1980s date from when the responsibilities of the Bureau were carried
out by the Division of Acute Infectious Disease Epidemiology of the Bureau of
Epidemiology and Disease Prevention. Many of these contracts were renewed in the
early nineties, after the establishment of the Bureau.
Field Operations Files,
1991-1996.
(23 cartons, 1 box)
{series #11.77} [Holdings]
Arranged chronologically by fiscal year, thereunder loosely grouped alphabetically
by geographical area.
General files from the seven HIV planning and service coalitions: AIDSNET, North
Central District Coalition, Northwest Pennsylvania Rural AIDS Alliance, The Philadelphia
AIDS Consortium (TPAC), South Central AIDS Planning Coalition, Southwest Pennsylvania
AIDS Planning Coalition, and the Northeastern Regional HIV Planning Coalition.
Included are minutes, by-laws, quarterly reports, annual administrative reports
(AARs), case management surveys, out-going correspondence with enclosures, regional
services and strategic plan reports, funding proposals, requests for proposals
(RFPs), financial statements, and site monitoring summaries and reports which
detail services and programs by organizations and sub-contractors within the region,
including state funded AIDS service organizations. Records relating to Housing
Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) the Ryan White Care Act are also present.
See Field Operations Files, 1995-2000 {series 11.85},
within the Division of HIV/AIDS of the Bureau of Communicable Diseases for later
records.
HIV Planning Council Minutes,
1991-1994.
(1 carton)
{series #11.24} [Holdings]
Arranged chronologically by date of meeting.
Minutes and agenda with supporting materials from HIV Planning Council meetings.
The Council was created by a Federal Act in 1990 as an advisory council to the
Departments of Health and Public Welfare. The Council's mission was to coordinate
strategy between the Departments and the seven regional HIV/AIDS planning and
service coalitions in order to deal with the spread of HIV/AIDS. Meetings addressed
issues such as the role of the Bureau of HIV/AIDS; funding for testing, research,
and prevention; budget concerns; and the impact of immigration on the future course
of the epidemic. Also addressed were problems of racial and ethnic representation,
the passage of state legislation concerning HIV, budgetary concerns, and statistical
profiles of HIV/AIDS cases in Pennsylvania. The HIV Planning Council was disbanded
in 1996 and its responsibilities were merged into those of the Bureau of Preventive
Health Programs.
Bureau of Laboratories (1972- )
The Bureau of Laboratories operates the state public health lab and regulates clinical laboratories serving the citizens of Pennsylvania. The laboratory supports disease prevention through the provision of investigatory, diagnostic and confirmatory testing for both infectious and non-infectious diseases. The lab maintains a state of readiness to aid in the investigation of disease outbreaks and other public health emergencies including possible acts of terrorism. The Bureau also establishes and monitors the performance standards for over 8,000 clinical and physician office laboratories in the Commonwealth, provides technical assistance, training, and reference services to other labs and recommends certification of clinical laboratories under the requirements of the federal Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments. The Bureau
oversees divisions with responsibilities for bacteriology, virology, immunology, clinical
chemistry, hematology, chronic and metabolic diseases, and licensure and training.
Known as the Division of Laboratories within the Local Health segment until
1972, the Bureau of Laboratories was initially under the direction of the Deputy
Secretary of Planning and Quality Assurance (1980-1994). From 1995-1996 the
Bureau reported to the Deputy Secretary of Public Health Assessment, and was
then placed under the direction of the Deputy Secretary for Health Planning
and Assessment beginning in 1997.
Annual Reports,
1965, 1968-1974.
(10 folders)
{series #11.25} [Holdings]
Arranged chronologically by date of report.
Annual reports of the Division of Laboratories, 1965, 1968-1972 and the Bureau
of Laboratories, 1973-1974. The reports provide narrative accounts of the activities
undertaken during the year. Such activities typically included laboratory licensing
and proficiency evaluations, field and surveillance studies, information on
clinical and reference services, and product evaluations. Also found are charts
and tables documenting training provided by the Bureau, the names of personnel
who received training and participated in professional meetings, publications
authored by Bureau personnel, a summary of specimens processed by the Division
of Bacteriology and the diabetes detection program, a breakdown of the sources
of food poisoning outbreaks, and evaluations of commercial laboratory testing
kits and equipment.
Legionnaires' Disease Investigation File,
1976-1979.
(3 cartons)
{series #11.82} [Holdings] [RESTRICTED]
Grouped by category, thereunder arranged numerically by internal index number,
as shown in holdings listing.
Records of the investigation pertaining to the cause of Legionnaires' Disease
(Legionellosis, Pontiac Fever, or Philadelphia Respiratory Disease) by the Bureau
of Laboratories after an outbreak of the illness during a 1976 American Legion
convention in Philadelphia. Present are: budgetary materials including reimbursements
made to victims; correspondence with various medical professionals; activity reports;
materials from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) relating to their concurrent
investigation; materials from various scientific studies testing various hypotheses
to determine the origin of the illness; case histories and listings; death certificates
from Philadelphia for the summer of 1976; U.S. Congressional materials such as
hearings and correspondence; news releases issued by the Department; news media
correspondence; and newspaper and journal articles about Legionnaires' Disease.
Newsletters,
1982-1983.
(1 folder)
{series #11.26} [Holdings]
Arranged numerically by volume and issue number.
The official Bureau newsletters contain both technical information and updates
on the services available in or through the Bureau of Laboratories and on proposed
and completed regulatory changes. In addition, these newsletters contain lists
of the names of members of the Bureau of Laboratories, the Clinical Laboratory
Advisory Committee, and the Technical Advisory Committee for Microbiology, as
well as news items concerning continuing education workshops and Food and Drug
Administration recalls. Finally, there are summaries of the Center for Disease
Control's Pre-market Evaluation Program and protocol used for selecting pathogenic
stock cultures.
Organizational Documents,
1963-1988.
(1 folder)
{series #11.27} [Holdings]
Arranged chronologically by date of list.
Items documenting personnel turnover and the evolving organizational structure
of the Bureau of Laboratories. Included are lists of the names of the Bureau's
personnel, their job titles, and their position in the organizational chain.
Public Health Laboratory Circulars,
1970-1982.
(1 folder)
{series #11.28} [Holdings]
Arranged numerically by release number.
Circular letters published by the Bureau which were intended to provide rapid
and efficient dissemination of information that was of immediate and pertinent
interest to laboratory directors. The circulars include information on new laws
and regulations affecting laboratory operations. There are also notes from meetings
concerning methodological and technical issues and miscellaneous material of general
interest.
Bureau of Nursing
Originally known as the Bureau of Nursing Programs and Resources, this Bureau
consisted of a Division of Institutional Nursing and a Division of Public Health
Nursing and was responsible for the direction of all nursing activities in the
Department of Health and for coordinating Departmental nursing activities with
other nursing agencies and institutions in the state. The director of the Bureau
interpreted nursing functions and responsibilities to the Secretary of Health
and assisted in developing nursing services and policies for the entire state.
Over the years, the responsibilities of this Bureau have gradually been dispersed
throughout the Department. Related materials may be found in the records of the
State Board of Nurse Examiners in the
Department of Education (RG-22).
Annual Reports,
1922-1974.
(6 folders)
{series #11.29} [Holdings]
Arranged chronologically by date of report.
Annual Reports of the Bureau of Nursing (later the Bureau of Public Health Nursing)
provide statistical information and narrative descriptions about activities conducted
during the year. Information found includes statistical breakdowns on both the
total number of patient visits and the number of new visits to clinics for various
diseases and for checkups. These breakdowns provide information on tuberculosis,
genital-urinary tract complaints, child and pre-natal health care and other diseases.
There is immunization data for diphtheria, polio, tetanus and pertusis and data
concerning corrective treatments for tonsillitis, skin diseases, cardiac diseases,
malnutrition, and speech defects as well as on circumcisions performed. Narrative
reports provide information on professional conferences, social work activities,
and quarantines. For the later years, reports were kept on nurses working with
county health departments and community health agencies in addition to state health
centers and hospitals. Two examples of noteworthy activities documented in these
Annual Reports are nursing efforts associated with the 1973 flood precipitated
by Hurricane Agnes and a 1922 statistical report on nursing visits to an evicted
miners camp.
Bureau of Planning (1980-1994)
Formerly the Bureau of Comprehensive Health Planning, the Bureau of Planning
made determinations of statewide health needs, conducted statewide health planning
activities and coordinated the development and implementation of the State Health
Plan. It also administered a Certificate of Need Program to promote the equitable
and efficient allocation of health resources and cost containment through review
of major capital expenditures proposed by health care facilities. In 1995, the
Bureau was renamed the Bureau of Health Planning.
Division of Planning and Technical Assistance
Reports,
1980-1992.
(1 box)
{series #11.86} [Holdings]
Arranged chronologically by publication date.
Reports received by the Division from other state government organizations in
the process of developing the State Health Plan. Included are reports from the
Developmental Disabilities Planning Council, the Pennsylvania Rural Coalition,
the Department of Aging, the Intra-Governmental Council on Long Term Care, the
Legislative Budget and Finance Committee, and the Health Care Cost Containment
Council.
Bureau of Professional Health Services (1980-1986)
The Bureau of Professional Health Services directed, coordinated, and monitored
the implementation of public health preventive and medical programs. These included
maternal and child health programs, emergency health services, and school health
programs. In 1987 the responsibilities of this Bureau were dispersed among the
Bureau of Preventive Health Programs, the Bureau of Maternal and Child Preventive
Health, the Bureau of Quality Assurance, the Bureau of Health Planning, the Bureau
of Primary Care Resources and Systems Development, and the State Health Centers.
Related materials may be found among the records of the Office of Policy and Planning,
Office of Public Assistance, and State Emergency Relief Board in the records of
the Department of Public Welfare (RG-23).
Migrant Health Program Patient Files,
1963-1988.
(53 cartons)
{series #11.31} [Holdings] [RESTRICTED]
Arranged alphabetically by patient's surname, and then chronologically by date
of health application and progress report.
The patient files contain a registration sheet and medical records prepared during
each patient visit. Information found includes the patient's name, date of birth,
home address, local or camp address, race, and date of visit. Some records contain
such additional information as the patient's occupation and the names of parents,
dependents, next of kin, and employer. Notes by physicians or nurses on diagnosis
and treatment are also included. These files are restricted to patients and members
of their immediate families.
Records of the Genetic Disease Program,
1981-1982.
(8 cartons)
{series #11.36} [Holdings]
Arranged numerically by genetic disease program center number, and thereunder
numerically by patient number.
Genetic counseling forms which give patient background and referral information
and serve as a record of services provided. Information found includes amniocentesis
data, the type and number of the counseling site, and the final disposition. Patient
information provided includes the center number, patient number, date, counselor
number, whether the patient is a child or an adult, gender, date of birth, race,
place of residence, income, marital status and pregnancy history. For children,
forms include parental information such as dates of birth and educational level,
occupation, whether the parents were genetically related and, if so, the specific
relationship. For adults, the forms provide the educational level, occupation,
and date of birth for both patient and spouse. Also noted are whether the patient
was receiving services from departmental or other health programs, the source
of the referral and the diagnosis.
Bureau of Quality Assurance
The Bureau administers state and federal regulatory programs to ensure compliance
with minimum health and safety standards in supervised health care facilities
as mandated by law. It also administers regulatory programs relating to hearing
aid dealers and fitters and provides policy and direction in developing programs
for the provision of education, consultation, and technical assistance of supervised
health care facilities in order to encourage facility compliance with minimum
health care standards. Materials relating to certification and licensure of health
care professionals is contained in the records of the Professional
and Occupational Boards of the Department of Education (RG-22).
Long Term Care Facilities History File,
1975, 1978-1981.
(12 cartons)
{series #11.32} [Holdings]
Arranged alphabetically by hospital name.
Case file on hospitals seeking certification to receive Medicare and Medicaid
payments for patients. The case files consist primarily of forms from the United
States Department of Health, Education and Welfare. Also present are materials
documenting staff development, policies and procedures, and deficiencies at facilities.
Among these are Medicare/Medicaid Skilled Nursing Facility Survey Reports that
document whether a facility had met federal, state, and local requirements and
agreements on skilled nursing and laundry services provided by outside vendors.
Other items provide information on dietary and medical record keeping and summaries
of infection control committee meetings. A survey on fire and safety documents
whether a facility met safety standards with regard to fire extinguishers, heaters,
appropriate fireproof decor and evacuation plans. Letters and follow up notes
on facilities that were out of compliance and the corrective actions taken are
also present.
Bureau of Sanitary Engineering (1933-1954)
Divided into six major divisions that were concerned with water supply, sewerage,
industrial wastes, stream quality, mine drainage, and staff services, this Bureau
was charged with supervision of public water supplies. The Bureau acted as an
administrative arm of the Sanitary Water Board in executing the Commonwealth's
Clean Streams Program. This Program involved the examination of plans for issuance
permits for sewerage and industrial waste projects and mine drainage projects
(except for bituminous strip mine drainage). The Bureau conducted comprehensive
water quality studies and developed long range water quality management plans.
During periods of flooding, droughts, and epidemics the Bureau supplied resources
in assisting with the supervision of emergency sanitation measures. During the
1950s, this Bureau became the Division of Sanitary Engineering
under the Bureau of Environmental Health and in 1995 the responsibilities of the
Division were transferred to the Department of Environmental Resources. For related
materials see Records of the Department of Environmental
Resources (RG-43).
Civil Works Administration Project Reports,
1933-1938.
(7 folders)
{series #11.33} [Holdings]
Arranged chronologically by date of report.
Among the materials is a manual and specific reports concerned with the Abandoned
Mine Project for the Civil Works Projects, Federal Security Agency , and the
United States Public Health Service. The "Manual of Policy, Organization and
Uniform Practice for Sealing Abandoned Coal Mines" provides information on construction
methods, engineering and survey records, a report on purchases and payroll and
a report on mine sealing in Pennsylvania that contains maps and charts documenting
abandoned mines, and reduction of acid load after mine closures. Also included
is another Civil Works Project report on community sanitation throughout Pennsylvania.
This includes photographs of unsanitary conditions in company housing and the
"pits" and latrines built for the project.
Reports and Correspondence Relating to Floods,
1936-1937.
(2 folders)
{series #11.34} [Holdings]
Unarranged.
Several papers delivered by Chief Engineer W.L. Stevenson and Assistant Chief
Engineer H.E. Moses at national conventions of the American Water Works Association,
American Society for Civil Engineers and New England Waterworks concerning public
sanitation problems arising during the floods of 1936 and 1937. Also included
is a printed leather bound volume published by the Pennsylvania Water and Power
Company concerning ice jams and floods that occurred at Holtwood and Safe Harbor.
There are also several papers on flooding that occurred in Kentucky and West Virginia
and an abstract of telegrams relating to post flood conditions in Pennsylvania
in March 1936. Related materials can be found in the records of the Department
of Public Welfare's State
Emergency Relief Board, 1932-1937.
Sanitary Engineers' Epidemic Reports,
1904-1919.
(4 boxes)
{series #11.35} [Holdings]
Arranged alphabetically by county, and within each county alphabetically by municipality.
Typed reports on outbreaks and suspected outbreaks of diseases
such as typhoid fever which had the potential to become epidemics in Pennsylvania.
The reports were submitted by sanitary engineers to the Department of Health.
Information provided by a typical report includes county and municipality, the
type of disease discovered or suspected, the dates of the investigation, and
names of persons and companies involved either as polluters, victims, complainants
or municipal officials. Dates and specific locations of afflictions are given
as well as the results of blood tests, medical observations, a description of
conditions that preceded the outbreak, the steps taken to eliminate the problem,
suggestions on preventing further outbreaks, and the name and signature of the
sanitary engineer who conducted the investigation.
Also included in the series are reports on various municipal
water and sewage systems in the areas investigated and on proposed system changes
or expansions. Information found in these reports generally includes the name
of the county and municipality, the type of public utility, the size of the
population and the geographical area served, a physical description of the natural
landscape, the types of industry present, the types of people living in the
area (e.g. foreign laborers), a description of the pipe layouts and purification
systems, a statistical breakdown of the outbreak of disease, laboratory results
and analyses, and recommendations.
Formerly the Bureau of Preventable Disease (1957-1962), the Bureau of Special
Health Services, was responsible for planning aspects for the administration
of public health programs, including studies and research to define program
objectives, policies, and functions. Divisions of the Bureau included: Communicable
Diseases; Nutrition; Behavioral Problems and Drug Control (later divided into
Alcoholism and Rehabilitation and Drug Control); Dental Health; Chronic Diseases;
Maternal and Child Health; Tuberculosis Control (later renamed Chronic Respiratory
Diseases); and Physical Therapy. In 1972 the Bureau was abolished and its responsibilities
were divided among the Bureau of Children's Preventive and Restorative Services
and the Bureau of Adult Preventive Health Programs.
Division of Chronic Respiratory Diseases
Formerly the Division of Tuberculosis Control (1957-1969), the Division of
Chronic Respiratory Diseases was responsible for the operation and supervision
of the tuberculosis and chronic respiratory disease program. It operated two
state tuberculosis hospitals, Landis and C. Howard Marcy, that provided professional,
rehabilitation, and social services to restore tubercular patients to better
health and economic usefulness. Patients either admitted themselves, committed
by relatives, or referred to the hospitals by one of over seventy tuberculosis
clinics throughout the Commonwealth. The state clinics provided continuing services
to former hospital and newly diagnosed patients. The division also conducted
tuberculosis case detection activities through the clinics, community X-ray
surveys, a tuberculin testing program in schools, and x-ray surveys of homes
for the aged. In addition, the division also provided professional guidance
and consultation to all official and voluntary agencies dealing with tuberculosis
and respiratory disease. In 1972, the Division was moved into the Bureau of
Adult Preventive Health Programs; then was renamed the Division of Chronic Respiratory
and Occupational Diseases under the Bureau of Adult Health Services in 1976,
and later its responsibilities were subsumed by the various divisions of the
Bureau of Epidemiology and Disease Prevention in 1978. In 1974, C. Howard Marcy
State Hospital was converted into a mental health hospital under the auspices
of the Department of Public Welfare. All records for C. Howard Marcy State Hospital,
including its time as a state tuberculosis hospital, may be found in the Records
of the Department of Welfare (RG-23).
Landis State Hospital Patient Records,
1952-1972.
(10 boxes, 426 microfilm rolls)
{series #11.80} [Holdings] [RESTRICTED]
Patient index cards are arranged alphabetically by patient's surname. Patient
files are arranged numerically by patient case number.
Indexed internally in patient index cards.
Patient files and index cards maintained by the Landis State Hospital during its
operation as a state tuberculosis hospital (previously known as State Sanatorium
for Tuberculosis No. 4, Philadelphia, 1954-1957). The facility was able to care
for 200-300 patients. The hospital opened circa 1954 and was administered by the
Bureau of Tuberculosis, which was later was made a division within the Bureau
of Preventable Disease in 1957, before becoming the Division of Chronic Respiratory
Diseases in 1969. The hospital closed in July 1976.
Information provided on patient index cards consists of the patient's case number,
name, address, social security number, age, date of birth, sex, race, religion,
birthplace, marital status, number of children, citizenship status, residency
status, military service (if any), occupation, date of admittance, referral agency,
a summary of the patient's health history and diagnosis, date of discharge, reason
for discharge (desertion, maximum hospital benefit, transfer, or death), and total
days spent at the hospital. Some cards also include the name and birthplace of
the patient's parents, vitals of the patient at admittance and discharge, the
patient's discharge number, and the patient's condition at time of discharge.
Information about the patient's next of kin or other emergency contact person,
including their name, address, telephone number, and relation to the patient,
is also present. A very few patient cards from Lankenau Hospital, dating from
1952-1953 are present.
Patient files contain much of the same information as the patient index cards
and are accompanied by the patient's clinical records. These include: a narrative
summary of the patient's health history past and present; laboratory results;
radiographic reports (X-ray results); treatments received, including chemotherapy;
system review and physical examination results; progress notes maintained by the
physician; physician orders and charts maintained by the nursing staff; nursing
notes and vitals (temperature, pulse, and respiration); state conference reports
and recommendations; and final diagnosis. In some instances, correspondence of
family requesting commitment of a patient to the hospital, patient consent forms,
correspondence with other tuberculosis institutions that treated the patient,
and a social history of the patient are also present.
Air Pollution Commission
The Air Pollution Commission, acting through the Division of Air
Pollution Control of the Bureau of Environmental Health, was charged with enforcing
air quality regulations. At the direction of the Commission, the Division investigated
air pollution problems, conducted surveys and testing programs to determine
air quality, enforced orders of the Commission, conducted educational programs,
and provided advisory and technical consultation services to local communities.
The responsibilities of the Commission and the Division were subsequently transferred
to the Department of Environmental Resources. For related materials see the
records of the Bureau of Air Quality
Control in the Department of Environmental Resources(RG-43).
Meeting Packets,
1961-1971.
(5 cartons)
{series #11.42} [Holdings]
Arranged chronologically by date of meeting.
The Air Pollution Commission was created by the Air Pollution Control Act of 1960
to establish rules and regulations to control air pollution in the Commonwealth.
The Commission also heard and ruled on complaints of alleged violations of its
rules and regulations. The Commission met at least 6 times a year or at the call
of the Chair. Members consisted of the Secretaries of Health, Commerce, Labor,
Mines, and Agriculture; a member of the general public; a specialist in industrial
topography; three representatives of industry; and a professional engineer.
Each packet contains minutes from meetings concerning requests for incinerator
permits, regulations on air quality, public hearing notes on air quality regulations,
reports on controlling automotive emission, and city or county air pollution regulation
plans. Also present are lists of air pollution violators and corrective measures
taken.
Transcripts and Position Papers on Proposed Regulations,
1961-1969.
(2 cartons)
{series #11.43} [Holdings]
Arranged chronologically by date of transcript.
Transcripts of public meetings held around the state under the provisions of the
Air Pollution Control Act regarding regulations issued by the Air Pollution Commission.
Topics discussed at these meetings included the prevention and control of air
pollution from burning coal refuse, the hazards of open burning, and ambient air
quality criteria.
Anatomical Board of the State
of Pennsylvania
The Anatomical Board was created in 1883 for the purpose of acquiring and distributing
human cadavers to surgeons and medical schools in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
As of 1998, it is known as the Humanity Gifts Registry Board and is composed of
representatives from the medical and dental fields and the Secretary of Health.
The Board establishes rules and regulations governing registry operations.
Balance Book,
1884-1910.
(1 volume)
{series #11.44} [Holdings]
Arranged chronologically by date of transaction.
Debit and credit accounting of expenses for the receipt and distribution of
human cadavers for teaching purposes to all medical and dental schools in the
state.
Cadaver Receiving Books,
1901-1965.
(7 volumes)
{series #11.45} [Holdings]
Arranged chronologically by date received.
A register of human cadavers received by the Anatomical Board to be distributed
to medical and dental facilities for research. Information provided for each
cadaver includes name, gender, color, age, place of birth, marital status, and
occupation; date received; date and cause of death; physician's name; where
received from and delivered to; tag number; whether cut or uncut; condition;
and the claimed, substitute, or buried tag number.
In addition, there is a monthly consolidated report of receipts from institutions
giving the total number of bodies; the number of cut and uncut bodies; the number
of white or black males and females; the number or bodies in good, bad and fair
condition; the number of claimed, substitute, and buried cut and uncut bodies;
and occasional remarks regarding each institution providing cadavers to the
Anatomical Board.
Cancelled Checks,
1920-1921.
(1 folder)
{series #11.46} [Holdings]
Arranged numerically by check number.
Cancelled checks for the expenses incurred in the receipt and distribution of
cadavers for medical research. Payees included American Railway Express Co.,
Anderson Publishing Company, Schuylkill County Hospital for the Insane, William
Sieck, and John H. Kerlin among others.
Cash Book,
1959-1973.
(1 volume)
{series #11.47} [Holdings]
Arranged chronologically by date of transaction.
Accounts of medical and dental schools with the Anatomical Board of the State
of Pennsylvania for expenses incurred by the transfer of cadavers for research.
The cash book entries are posted in the Ledger, 1959-1973 {series #11.52}.
Check Stub Books,
1915-1921.
(2 volumes)
{series #11.48} [Holdings]
Arranged numerically by check number.
Stubs for payments incurred in the receipt and distribution of cadavers for
the purpose of medical research. Information found includes the amount paid,
the name of the payee, and the date of payment.
Consolidated Annual Report Books of Receipts and Distributions,
1895-1974.
(4 volumes)
{series #11.49} [Holdings]
Arranged chronologically by year.
Annual reports providing statistical information on cadavers received and distributed
by the Board. The consolidated report of receipts provides a monthly account
of cadavers received from various hospitals, prisons, almshouses and undertakers
from such places as Lancaster, Scranton, Wilkes Barre, Bethlehem, and Allegheny,
Berks, Cumberland, Westmoreland, and York counties. Monthly accounts are broken
down by categories such as whether cut or uncut, male or female, good or bad
condition, and whether the bodies were claimed, substitutes or buried. The consolidated
report of distributions provides a monthly account of cadavers distributed to
the University of Pennsylvania, Jefferson Medical College, Hahnemann Medical
College, Women's Medical College, Pennsylvania College of Dental Surgery, Polyclinic
College, Philadelphia School of Anatomy, Western Pennsylvania Medical College,
Medico-Chirurgical College, Scranton Anatomical Society, Franklin and Marshall
College, and other facilities.
Executive Committee Minute Books,
1921-1964.
(5 volumes)
{series #11.50} [Holdings]
Arranged chronologically by date of meeting.
Minutes documenting executive committee meetings. Information generally found
includes the number of bodies received and distributed to each medical or dental
school, a record of bills sent to Harrisburg for payment, and the treasurer's
financial report.
History of the Anatomy Act of Pennsylvania,
1898.
(1 volume)
{series #11.51} [Holdings]
History of the Anatomy Act of Pennsylvania, by W.S. Forbes, M.D.
The volume documents the efforts of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia
to procure legislation for the transfer of bodies to medical facilities for
research purposes. Included is a copy of the "Act for the Promotion of
Medical Science By the Distribution and Use of Unclaimed Human Bodies for Scientific
Purposes Through a Board Created for that Purpose and to Prevent Unauthorized
Uses and Traffic in Human Bodies," 1883.
Ledger,
1953-1973.
(1 volume)
{series #11.52} [Holdings]
Grouped by account and thereunder chronologically by date of transaction.
Financial accounts for expenses incurred by the transfer of bodies for medical
and dental research to various medical and dental facilities. Also included
is an account for unclaimed bodies and a lump sum payment of burial funds received
from the Social Security Administration.
Letter Book,
1883-1918.
(1 volume)
{series #11.53} [Holdings]
Arranged chronologically by date of correspondence.
Copies of letters sent from the Anatomical Board to various correspondents. Among
the subjects addressed are burial of soldiers, sailors and marines; bodies required
to be buried at public expense; coroners claiming bodies delivered to Anatomical
Board; coroners surrendering bodies to the Board; changes in prices for claimed
bodies; death certificate charges; issues affecting the directors of the poor;
the deaths of paupers before gaining settlement; express rates; inspection of
bodies received by the Anatomical Board; inquiries concerning the disposition
of a body; money furnished by friends for burial; delivery of partially dissected
bodies to the receiving depot; the receipt of unclaimed bodies that were not needed;
refusals to furnish data for reports; transportation by Adams Express Co. from
Pittsburgh; the "twenty four hour clause;" and concerns arising about unclaimed
cadavers. Included in this series are agreements with a Philadelphia carrier for
transporting bodies; an agreement with Philadelphia Hospital; various Board of
Health permits and burial permits; information relating to the Burial Act; inquests
by coroners; legal opinions; a copy of the law governing the use of bodies of
prisoners from the Luzerne County prison; the law providing for the relief of
the needy sick; post mortems; and the Undertaker Act.
Drug, Device and Cosmetic Board (1961-
)
The Board, established by the Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act of
1961 and further enabled in The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic
Act of 1972, is an advisory board to the Secretary of Health in matters pertaining
to the manufacture and wholesale or retail distribution of drugs, medical devices
and cosmetics. The Board recommends regulations to administer the Drug, Device,
and Cosmetic Act of 1961, the Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic
Act of 1972 (P.L. 233) and the Generic Drug Law. This board differs from the
Drug, Device, and Cosmetic Program. Materials relating to the registration of
pharmacists is contained in the records of the State
Board of Pharmacy in the Department of Education (RG-22).
Minutes
1962-1990, 1992, 1994.
(3 cartons, 1 box)
{series #11.54} [Holdings]
Arranged chronologically by date of meeting.
Minutes of Drug, Device, and Cosmetic Board meetings. The minutes contain the
names of board members in attendance; the location of the meeting; agenda topics;
and a summary of the discussion. Topics discussed include: research programs;
hospital drug policies; drug labeling; the sale of paregoric, medicinal soaps
and cleansing agents; LSD survey report; veterinary medicines and devices; drug
abuse on college campuses; generic drug legislation; additions to generic drug
formulary, dental laboratory regulations; the status of state drug legislation;
federal drug control regulations; the controlled substance list; nicotine addiction
and proposed regulation; steroids as controlled substances; teen abuse of cough
syrups containing dextromethorphan; hearing testimony before the Board; compliance
with the Federal Prescription Drug Marketing Act; departmental reorganization;
and proposed amendments to the Drug, Device, and Cosmetic Act of 1961. Agenda,
sign-in sheets, and other supporting materials are included in some instances.
The Hospital for Crippled Children was originally authorized by the General
Assembly in 1925 and constructed on a 250 acre tract of farm and timber land
near Elizabethtown in 1930. The hospital was initially administered by the Secretary,
and then by the Crippled Children's Division in the Bureau of Maternal and Child
Health. By 1959, it was administered by the Division of Maternal and Child Health
in the Bureau of Preventable Diseases and in 1978 the hospital was moved to
the purview of the Deputy Secretary for Public Health (also known as the Executive
Deputy Secretary of Public Health Programs). The facility was also known as
the State Hospital for Crippled Children as well as the Elizabethtown Hospital
for Children and Youth. In 1982 the facility was transferred to Penn State University
Hershey Medical Center and renamed the Elizabethtown Hospital and Rehabilitation
Center. The facility was designed to care for children between the ages of six
and sixteen suffering from Bone Tuberculosis and allied conditions. It later
expanded its domain to admit children with Poliomyelitis (Polio), Cerebral Palsy,
dislocation of the hip, and congenital and acquired deformities.
Account Book for Subscriptions to the Publication "Our World"
from Elizabethtown Hospital for Crippled Children,
1968-1977.
(1 volume)
{series #11.4} [Holdings]
Arranged chronologically by date of subscription.
"Our World" was a newsletter started by the patients of the Hospital in 1942.
The accounts list the subscriber's name, date of transaction, length of subscription
and amount paid. Also found in the back of the volume are records of sales from
crafts and "industrial arts," 1968-1977. These show date, name of purchaser, the
craft or industrial art item sold and the amount paid.
Architectural Drawings,
1927-1962.
(24 items)
{series #11.5} [Holdings]
Grouped by project.
Mostly preliminary and final blueprint drawings by the architectural firm Thomas
& Martin for the main building of the hospital. Also present are later drawings
for additions, renovations and outbuildings such as the shop building.
Newspaper Clippings,
1952-1980.
(1 folder)
{series #11.6} [Holdings]
Unarranged.
Originals and photocopies of newspaper articles concerning the hospital, the staff
and the patients.
Patient Registers,
1929-1977.
(2 volumes)
{series #11.7} [Holdings]
Arranged chronologically by date of admission.
Register entries show a serial and unit number; the patient's name, county,
date and place of birth; the patient's race, gender, and religion; the dates admitted
and discharged; the total number of days spent in the hospital; the name of a
parent or guardian; and the diagnosis at the time of admission. Commonly diagnosed
illnesses include scoliosis, clubfoot, cerebral palsy and polio residual.
Photograph Albums,
1942-1947, 1961-1965.
(5 volumes)
{series #11.8} [Holdings]
Arranged chronologically by beginning date of album.
Two albums dated 1942-1947 were kept by Miss Catherine McBride and one dated 1943-1946
was kept by Betty Salada. These appear to have been employees at the Hospital.
The compiler of the other two volumes is unknown. All albums contain photographs
of patients and employees at various functions including employee Christmas dinners,
retirement parties, hospital Halloween parties and other functions. The names
of most of the patients appearing in the photographs are given.
Also present are newspaper clippings concerning different treatment methods used
at the hospital and copies of the newsletter "Our World" from 1942. The newsletter
contains articles concerning patient admissions and discharges, daily operation
of the facility, the arrival of new equipment and various social events.
Record of Operations,
1941-1975.
(4 volumes)
(series #11.9} [Holdings]
Arranged chronologically by date of operation.
These volumes document operations conducted at the Elizabethtown Hospital for
Children and Youth. Information provided for each patient includes the date of
admission and the dates of any surgical operations performed; the case number;
the patient's name, age, sex, and race; the diagnosis; the names of the surgeon,
assistant surgeon, operating nurse, and anesthetist; the type of anesthetic used;
a brief description of any complications and a statement describing the result
of the operation. Usually noted under complications and results are the times
the operation started and ended. Frequently diagnosed illnesses include clubfoot,
scoliosis, residual polio, and burns.
Scrap Books,
[ca. 1930-1974].
(4 volumes)
{series #11.10} [Holdings]
Arranged chronologically.
Contain photographs, newspaper clippings, brochures and programs concerning the
hospital's staff and patients. Photographic subjects include Santa Claus with
children, Halloween parties, and concerts. Newspaper clipping and program topics
include poster children, grants, volunteers honored, parties, recitals, retirements,
and studies conducted at the hospital. Brochures contain information on the Hospital's
staff and the services provided to patients.
Time Books,
1926-1936.
(2 volumes)
{series #11.11} [Holdings]
Arranged chronologically.
This series is composed of two volumes that contain slightly different types
of information. One of these is a record of wages paid to employees at the hospital.
Monthly entries list the employee's name, the number of hours worked each day,
the total number of hours worked, the wage rate per hour, the total amount earned,
and the employee's signature acknowledging receipt of pay. The 1926 entries are
for laborers who constructed the hospital. The second volume is arranged semi-monthly
and gives the employee's name, the number of days worked and the rate earned per
day. Occupations frequently listed in the second volume include maid, nurse, or
laundress.
Health Policy Board (1996- )
Formerly the Health Care Policy Board (1982-1995), the Board reviews rules
and regulations prepared by the Department and advises the Secretary on proposed
regulations and the state health services plan. The board also serves as an
administrative hearing body for appeals on licensure decisions.
Minutes,
1996-2000.
(1 folder)
{series #11.70} [Holdings]
Arranged chronologically by date of meeting.
Minutes for meetings that took place March 13, 1996 through March 8, 2000. Topics
covered include: the abolishment of the State Health Facility Hearing Board; changes
to the State Health Services Plan; Certificate of Need Activities; discussion
about Public Hearings; Quarterly Reports; expansion of responsibilities of the
Board; the future of public health policy; the establishment of sub-committees
within the Board; the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP); sub-committee
reports; Y2K (the millennium bug; the year 2000 problem); tornado response; nursing
home audits; managed care; regulatory issues; the State Health Improvement Plan;
the tobacco settlement; the emergency services plan; rural healthcare; the budget;
and updates about the Department in general.
State Health Improvement Plan,
1999.
(1 volume)
{series #11.71} [Holdings]
Unarranged.
With the expiration of Certificate of Need legislation in 1996, which guided health
planning in the Commonwealth, the Health Policy Board was tasked with developing
a new plan for health planning strategies. It established three committees (Data
and Information, Health Program Planning, and Community Partnership) to advise
the Board and Secretary on these new strategies and asked seven community based
health improvement partnerships to aid in the design and testing of a new State
Health Improvement Planning (SHIP) process. This report, State Health Improvement
Plan: Partners . . . In Pursuit of Good Health, is the first edition of this
process, with the intent of undergoing constant revision and improvement. It covers
a new model for health planning, the components of an integrated preventive health
system, partnerships between the Department and community-based health organizations,
data-based decision making, and the state of Pennsylvania's health.
Office of Community Affairs
Operating under the Deputy Secretary of Community Health, the Office of Community
Affairs formerly coordinated Departmental programs through District Offices that
served multi-county areas and State Health Centers located in the sixty-two counties
of the Commonwealth. These offices provided public health services, referrals,
counseling and epidemiological investigations in their respective communities.
Staff support was provided through public health nurses, and on a referral basis
through physicians and other public health professionals. By 1995, these responsibilities
were coordinated through the Bureau of Primary Care Resources and Systems Development,
the District Offices, and the State Health Centers under the direction of the
Deputy Secretary for Community Health Systems Development. Other materials relating
to community mental health are contained in the records of the Bureau
of Community Mental Health Services in the Department of Public Welfare
(RG-23).
Centralia Mine Fire Health Survey Questionnaires,
1984-1985.
(6 cartons, 1 box)
{series #11.39} [Holdings] [RESTRICTED]
Arranged numerically by household number.
Study done by the Department of Health to obtain a basic health profile for individuals
in the Centralia area who may have been affected by the underground mine fire.
The consent release form provides information on each head of household including
names of individual, spouse and physician; date and place of birth; gender, marital
status, and race; address and phone number; number of people that live at the
address; the year the first member of the household lived in Centralia/Byrnesville
area; and last three permanent addresses. Additional information found including
the type of fuel used in the house and if the house was monitored for mine fire
gas levels. The questionnaires also document occupational history; the use of
alcohol, tobacco and caffeine; and various diseases, medical conditions, prescriptions,
physicians, hospitalization and social/psychological issues. Another form shows
respondents' rating of physical, mental and emotional ailments that they might
have experienced and test results of blood gas levels, but not all surveys have
this form. A medical record release form is also included. Access to these
records is restricted to questionnaire respondents and members of their immediate
families.
Sanitary Water Board (1923-1970)
The Sanitary Water Board was created by the Administrative Code
of 1923 (P.L. 498, Act No. 274) to administer the Purity of Waters Act and clean
stream laws of Pennsylvania. For many years, the Department of Health, through
its Bureau, and then Division, of Sanitary Engineering, investigated, recommended,
and enforced the provisions of this law with the exception of the provision
dealing with bituminous strip mines which was enforced by the Department of
Mines and Mineral Industries. The Board included the Secretary of Mines and
Mineral Industries, the Secretary of Forests and Waters, the Secretary of Commerce,
the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Fish Commission, and three members
from the general public appointed by the Governor and approved by the Senate.
The Board was abolished by Act No. 275 of 1970 (PL. 834) when its powers, duties,
and functions were transferred to the Department of Environmental Resources.
Minute Books,
1923-1970.
(13 cartons, 1 box)
{series #11.55} [Holdings]
Arranged chronologically by date of meeting.
Minutes of the meetings of the Sanitary Water Board. Information given includes
the time, date and location of the meeting; a listing of the names of members
and staff present; a synopsis of the discussions; and the signature of the Secretary
of the Board. Also present are reports from various agencies, including the Department
of Health, Department of Mines, Fish Commission, Department of Forests and Waters,
Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Commerce. The minutes document
the approval of permits for sewage and industrial waste treatment and mine drainage
discharges. One volume for 1923 contains an index.
Report on Clarion River Pollution Abatement,
1949.
(1 box)
{series #11.56} [Holdings]
A report on pollution and industrial waste discharges into the Clarion River
and its tributaries prepared by the consulting engineering firm of Camp, Dresser,
and McKee and submitted to the Chairman of the Sanitary Water Board on March 31,
1949.
Tannery Waste Disposal Committee of Pennsylvania (1924-1930)
Experimental Tannery Waste Disposal Plant Reports,
1927-1930.
(2 boxes)
{series #11.84} [Holdings]
Grouped by record type, thereunder arranged chronologically by date.
Reports and data submitted to the Committee by the experimental tannery waste
disposal plants at Instanter and Emporium, Pennsylvania. The plants experimented
with how to "reasonably and practically" treat and dispose of the waste
water created by the vegetable tanning of leather. Reports submitted by the Emporium
facility contain: a description of the construction of the plant; details of routine
operations; descriptions and results of operating tests, including sand and cinder
filter operation; sludge data; and proposed operational changes. Also included
are analytical tables from both facilities, consisting of tables and charts of
test results. The tables show daily efficiencies of precipitation tanks, filter
and tank temperatures, oxygen demands, detailed analysis of treated waste compared
to raw waste, laboratory analysis of sludge, influents and effluents, and comparisons
of different filtration systems. The report Treatment of Tannery Wastes: Processes
found as the outcome of six years study by the Tannery Waste Disposal Committee
of Pennsylvania created by the agreement of 1924 between the Sanitary Water Board
and Leather Tanning Companies, December 1930 is also present. There is also
a detailed history about the creation of the Committee and the nature of its experiments
in this publication.
State Health Coordinating Council (SHCC)
(1976-1992)
The Council advised the State Health Planning and Development
Agency (SHPDA) and the Department of Health by reviewing all health service
plans, annual implementation plans, and grant applications submitted by health
systems agencies within the Commonwealth. It also adopted and conducted the
annual review of the State Health Plan as well as helped coordinate its implementation.
The Council would also review and comment on certain activities pertaining to
grant applications under the Public Health Service Act, the Community Mental
Health Centers Act, and the Comprehensive Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Prevention,
Treatment, and Rehabilitation Act of 1970. In addition, the Council assisted
in coordinating the health planning activities of various state councils and
committees and helped private health agencies plan and develop their activities.
Health Systems Plans,
1979-1987.
(4 cartons, 1 box)
{series #11.74} [Holdings]
Grouped alphabetically by health service agency, thereunder arranged chronologically
by date of publication.
Plans submitted by the Commonwealth's nine health service agencies, in accordance
with the National Health Planning and Resources Development Act (P.L. 93-641),
for review by the Council. The plans detail one-year actions to be accomplished
as well and long range goals and objectives. The State required Health Service
Agencies to revise their health service plans annually in order to remain current
with the other health service agencies and statewide health needs. Plans cover
topics such as regional profiles, long-term care activities, diagnostic and treatment
services, prevention and detection activities, rehabilitation activities, and
health care support activities. Also included are State Health Plans, coordinated
and implemented by the Bureau of Planning and reviewed annually by the SHCC.
Plans from the following health service agencies are represented:
- Central Pennsylvania Health Systems Agency, Inc., covering Centre, Clearfield,
Clinton, Columbia, Jefferson, Juniata, Lycoming, Mifflin, Montour, Northumberland,
Snyder, Tioga, and Union Counties
- Health Systems Council of Eastern Pennsylvania, Inc., covering Berks, Carbon,
Lehigh, Northampton, and Monroe Counties
- Health Resources Planning and Development, Inc., covering Adams, Cumberland,
Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, and York Counties
- Keystone Health Systems Agency, Inc., covering Bedford, Blair, Cambria,
Fulton, Huntingdon, and Somerset Counties
- Health Systems Agency of Northeastern Pennsylvania, Inc, covering Lackawanna,
Luzerne, Pike, Schuylkill, Wayne, and Wyoming Counties
- Health Systems, Inc. of Northwestern Pennsylvania, covering Cameron, Clarion,
Crawford, Elk, Erie, Forest, McKean, Mercer, Potter, Warren, and Venango Counties
- NY-Penn Health Systems Agency, Inc., covering Bradford, Sullivan, and Susquehanna
Counties, Pennsylvania and Tioga, Broome, and Chenango Counties, New York
- Health Systems Agency of Southeastern Pennsylvania, Inc., covering Bucks,
Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia Counties
- Health Systems Agency of Southwestern Pennsylvania, Inc, covering Allegheny,
Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Washington,
and Westmoreland Counties
State Health Data Center (1980-1995)
Formerly the Division of Health Statistics within the Bureau
of Health Data Systems, the State Health Data Center, operating under the Deputy
Secretary for Administration, was responsible for collecting, processing, and
disseminating statistical health information to appropriate users throughout
the Commonwealth. The Center also developed information systems and provided
statistical and research assistance to other bureaus and agencies. It was also
the repository of all vital statistics for the Commonwealth. In 1995, the Center
was renamed the State Center for Health Statistics and Research, directed by
the Deputy Secretary of Public Health Assessment. It later evolved into the
Bureau of Health Statistics and Research.
Reports,
1990, 1992.
(1 box)
{series #11.68} [Holdings]
Arranged chronologically by date of report.
Reports issued by the State Health Data Center, some in conjunction with other
entities within the Department. Titles include: Pennsylvania Vital Statistics,
1988, Pennsylvania Reported Pregnancies, 1984-1988, and Cancer Incidence
and Mortality in Pennsylvania, 1985-1989.
Reports of the Governor's Council on Drug and Alcohol Abuse,
1973-1979.
(9 volumes)
{series #11.57} [Holdings]
Arranged chronologically by date of report.
Reports from the council filed with the State Health Data Center. Among these
are The Master Plan for the Prevention, Treatment and Control of Drug and Alcohol
Abuse, Volume I, 1973; A Study of the Prevalence and Intensity of Drug
and Alcohol in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, 1973; A Systems Approach
to the Treatment of Alcoholism by Frederick B. Glaser, 1974; Response
to Auditor General's Reports, 1976; Drug Abuse and Alcoholism Services
in the Commonwealth, 1977; Management Review, 1977; Final Report:
Data Processing Service, 1978; Agency Management Plan, 1978; Alternative
Organizational Options for Relocation of Drug and Alcohol Abuse Program of
Pennsylvania, 1979.
Quarterly Reports of Abortions Performed,
1974-1989.
(13 cartons, 1 box)
{series #11.58} [Holdings]
Arranged chronologically by quarter.
Reports filed by hospitals, physicians or facilities that were approved to perform
abortions under Act 209 of September 10, 1974 (The Abortion Control Act, 35 P.S.
6606). Information found in these reports is the total number of abortions performed
during each quarter and the name and address of the reporting facility. Types
of institutions performing abortions include health clinics, women's centers,
Planned Parenthood clinics, physicians' offices, hospitals and medical centers.
Other information found includes the name of the contact person regarding the
data reported and statistical tables showing the number of abortions performed
broken down by weeks of gestation, type of procedure, age woman, and the woman's
state and county of residence.
State Health Facility Hearing Board
(1981-1995)
Chaired by the Secretary of Health, the State Health Facility
Hearing Board issues Certificates of Need for new or expanded medical facilities
and approves licenses for such facilities. Materials relating to state mental
hospitals are contained in the records of the Office
of Mental Health of the Department of Public Welfare (RG-23).
Annual Reports,
1981-1994.
(4 folders)
{series #11.59} [Holdings]
Arranged chronologically by year.
The Annual Reports of the State Health Facility Hearing Board document the appeals
on which the Board ruled during the year. Types of appeals documented include
reviews of Certificates of Need, licensure, and medical assistance provider and
WIC (Women, Infants, Children) programs. Also found is information on the disposition
of appeals and Commonwealth Court decisions.
Minutes,
1990-1995.
(1 folder)
{series #11.60} [Holdings]
Arranged chronologically by date of meeting.
Minutes documenting the meetings of the State Health Facility Hearing Board. Information
provided includes the names of those who attended the meeting, approval of past
minutes, and board decisions allowing health facilities to expand their buildings
and programs by granting a certificate of need. The Board also discussed public
comments, decision reversals by the courts, and board policies.
Status Reports,
1995.
(1 folder)
{series #11.61} [Holdings]
Status reports sent to the Board by the Executive Director concerning Certificates
of Need to expand facilities and programs and licensure appeals. The issuance
of both Certificates of NSeed and licensure could be appealed to either the Department
of Health or Commonwealth Court. Each request for a certificate or license has
a number assigned.
Vietnam Herbicides Information Commission
(1982-1987)
The Commission, created by the Vietnam Herbicides Information
Act (Act 99 of 1982), obtained information relating to the health effects of
exposure to herbicides containing dioxin and other causative agents for Vietnam
veteran residents of the Commonwealth who may have been exposed to these substances
during their military service. The commission determined medical, administrative,
and social assistance needs of exposed veterans, and conducted outreach and
disseminated information on epidemiological or other studies relating to herbicide
exposure in Vietnam. The commission had fifteen members: the Secretary of Health
as chair; and fourteen others. In accordance with Act 67 of 1987, the Commission
was expanded and renamed the Vietnam Veterans Heath Initiative Commission (VVHIC).
For related materials, see Vietnam Veterans' Herbicide Exposure
and Health History Questionnaires with Program Files, 1983-1990 {series
11.18} under the Division of Environmental Health of the Bureau of Epidemiology
and Disease Prevention.
Data Bank File,
1982-1987.
(3 cartons, 1 box)
{series #11.62} [Holdings]
Unarranged.
Legislatively mandated collection of epidemiological reports and studies relating
to the effect of Agent Orange/Dioxin, an herbicide defoliant used by the United
States in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. The materials were collected
by the Commission in an effort to ascertain the medical effects of exposure to
such herbicides and determine how best to assist Vietnam War veterans who were
exposed.
Included are Dow Chemical Company reports entitled: Dioxin, Agent Orange and
Human Health; Agent Orange/Dioxin Health and Medical Information Index;
Agent Orange/Dioxin Health and Medical Study Summaries; Agent Orange and
the Veteran; Soft Tissue Sarcoma; Birth Defects and Reproductive
Disorders; Occupational and Incidental Exposure; Health Impact Overviews;
and General Health Statistics; and Environmental Fate.
Vietnam Veterans Heath Initiative Commission (VVHIC)
(1987-1996)
Formerly the Vietnam Herbicide Information Commission (1982-1987), the VVHIC
obtained information relating to the health status of all Pennsylvania veterans
who served in Vietnam. The commission determined medical, social, and administrative
assistance needed by these veterans, conducted outreach and educational programs
as well as disseminated health information regarding physical and psycho-behavioral
impacts of serving in Vietnam. The commission had twenty members; the Secretary
of Health as chair, the Secretary for Public Welfare and the Adjutant General
as vice-chairs, and seventeen other members appointed by the governor. On July
1, 1996 the Commission expired. For related materials, see Vietnam
Veterans' Herbicide Exposure and Health History Questionnaires with Program
Files, 1983-1990 {series 11.18} under the Division of Environmental
Health of the Bureau of Epidemiology and Disease Prevention.
Program Files and Correspondence,
1982-1999.
(4 cartons, 1 box)
{series #11.63} [Holdings] [RESTRICTED]
Cartons 1-3 are arranged alphabetically by subject. Carton 4 is unarranged.
Minutes, agenda, correspondence, reports, newsletters, newspaper clippings, press
releases, photographs, and meeting packets of the Commission, as well as public
hearing transcripts and testimony collected by the Commission. Included are Agent
Orange hotline telephone logs, background literature and court testimony relating
to Agent Orange, American Legion materials, Dioxin task force materials, a list
of veterans' names, mailing lists, medical histories, a summary of survey questionnaire
responses broken down by geographic areas, and materials supplied by the Veterans
of Foreign Wars (VFW). Also included are various revisions, including an edition
in Vietnamese, of The Vietnam Experience: An Overview of the Health Problems
Associated with Vietnam Service, which addresses issues related to exposure
to Agent Orange, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and infectious diseases
prevalent in Southeast Asia. A videocassette entitled "Bloods of Nam"
and the Pennsylvania Vietnam Veterans Mortality Study, 1965-1992 Final Report
with related correspondence are also present. Residual correspondence relating
to the Commission, dating after its expiration, is also included.
To view the videocassette, please make an appointment in advance by contacting
the Pennsylvania State Archives.
Responses to Herbicide Exposure Information Requests made by
Veterans,
1989.
(1 box)
{series #11.73} [Holdings]
Unarranged.
Correspondence from the U.S. Army and Joint Services Environmental Support Group
in response to information requests made by veterans via the Vietnam Veterans
Heath Initiative Commission (VVHIC). An "Exposed Records Research Request"
form was included in VVHIC newsletters to aid veterans in obtaining information
relating to their possible exposure to herbicides during the Vietnam Conflict.
Information provided by the veteran on this form included name, address, service
number, branch of service, dates of service, and units served in, with location
if possible. These request forms are not always included in the response packets
received.
Information in the responses includes: date of request; date request was received;
description of enclosures; whether more information is needed to complete the
request; and contact information for other organizations who may provide relevant
materials, such as the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, and the National Technical
Information Service (NTIS). Enclosures typically include: Agent Orange Briefs
from the U.S. Veterans Administration; maps depicting the veteran's unit location
with correlating overlays representing U.S. Air Force "Ranch Hand" spray
missions; and lists of Operational Reports - Lessons Learned (OR-LLs) and Combat
Operation After Action Reports (COAARs) submitted by the veteran's unit (or higher
unit) that could be obtained from the NTIS. Some veterans also requested information
relating to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) that may have been caused by
service in Southeast Asia.