Worcester Democrat and the ledger-enterprise. (Pocomoke City, Md.) 1921-1953, 1937-12-10
STRUGGLE AGAINST
TUBERCULOSIS WAS
STARTED in 1902
In 1886 Only One Out Of Every
Fifteen Deaths In State
Due To The Disease

Speaking of the gains that nave
been made in the fight against tuber-
culosis in Maryland, DR.. r. II. Riley,
Director of the State Department OF
Health said: "The organized fight a.
gainst the disease was started over
thirty-five years ago. In 1905, one
out of every eight deaths in the State
from all causes, was due to tuber-
culosis. In 1886, only one out Of ev-
rev fifteen deaths in the total was
caused by that disease. Over 2,0OO
deaths were charged to tuberculosis
in 1906, and although there are nearly
6OO. 1000 more people living In the
State now than in 1906. the total num-
her of deaths due to tuberculosis, last
year, was 1,418.
''This shows that great deal has
been accomplished. But when we
face the facts we see that we have a
big task ahead of US. Our records
show that the biggest drop has come
in the white population. There mas
been a great improvement in the oc-
currence of the disease among the col
ored people, but in proportion to popu-
lation there are four times as many
deaths in the colored population as In
the white. The figures also show that
tuberculosis is still the leading cause
of death for one of the most lmpor-
tant groups in the total population,
that is among young people from fiji
teen to forty-five years old. And every
death means usually, a long period OF
illness, or certainly of ill health:
"The fight has taught US many
things. 1t has shown us that there
can be no let up in our efforts, be-
cause tuberculosis, like other killers,
works insidiously. It gets in its In
nings before its presence is recognize
ed. We have learned too, that early
discovery of the disease gives the best
chance for either cure or control. That
is on of the brightest sides of the pic
ture.
Maryland is very fortunate in the
care that is available for those VINO
are i'll with the disease. There are
sanatoria or beds in hospitals in var
ious parts of the State for both white
and colored. There are accommoda-
tions for over LOO in the white popu-
lation and for nearly 375 colored and
construction work is under way that
will soon greatly increase the accom-
modations for the colored. But analy
sis of the records shows that practl
cally three out of every four person:
who go to the sanatoria or hospital:
wait. until the disease has made sucf
Roadway, that recovery, or control o.
the disease is very doubtful. Earlier
attention would save many lives.
eve are fortunate in another way
with respect to our fight against tub
erculosis. That is in the activities
that reach young and old, sick anc
well and that are made possible thru
the sale of the Christmas seals. Early
diagnosis of the disease, prompt care
and prevention are the underlying
motives of all of these activities.
"It is always interesting to have
a share in a winning fight. Every
one of us can have part in our fight
against tuberculosis in Maryland thru
investing in the Christmas seals. Ii
you haven't already done so; you can
get your supply from the Maryland
tuberculosis Association. They cost
only a penny apiece"