| For Immediate Release Free Program – Exploring the N.C. Orthopedic Hospital – February 20 – 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM In conjunction with our current exhibit, Healing the Children: The N.C. Orthopedic Hospital, Dr. Angus McBryde will present a special program on February 20 from 2 – 3 PM on the history of the NCOH. Dr. McBryde worked at the NCOH as an administrator. During this program, Dr. McBryde will share old photos, stories, and a general history. After his presentation, there will be a question/answer session. (Background on the NCOH) In 1909, a local businessman, Robert B. Babington, became interested in creating a school for handicapped children. After becoming aware of the many surgical procedures available to help these children, he decided instead to start an effort to build the first state supported orthopedic hospital in North Carolina. His dream was to give free health care to those who could not afford it. After twelve years of lobbying individual legislators and making appeals to the state, the North Carolina Orthopedic Hospital (NCOH) was officially opened on July 1, 1921. The only requirements for admission were: 1) to be a white child of sound mind under 15 years of age, 2) be a resident of North Carolina, and 3) be without means to pay for the medical treatment needed. Later these requirements were amended to include children of other races and raise the age limit to 16. The North Carolina Orthopedic Hospital treated a wide range of diseases and conditions - from birth defects to polio to burns. NCOH was one of the leading orthopedic hospitals in the country and developed procedures still being used by doctors today. The hospital was also a major teaching institution for resident physicians and nurses. The hospital closed in 1979, but the building still remains on New Hope Road in Gastonia. Gaston County Museum of Art & History, Dallas, North Carolina – 131 West Main Street, Dallas, NC 28034 – GCM is located near Gastonia, NC on the square in historic Dallas. Museum hours: Tuesday – Friday 10 – 5 PM, Saturday 10 – 3 PM and open every 1st Sunday 2 – 5 PM Contact: Jeff Pruett, Programs Coordinator, 704.922.7681 x105 or jpruett@co.gaston.nc.us Museum’s website – www.gastoncountymuseum.org ### |
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