Health Institutions and Health Education

In addition to messages for the individual, Mrs. White was given revelations regarding the establishment and conduct of medical institutions for the sick and suffering, and for the training of medical workers. Concerning this she wrote in 1865:AGP 306.1

“I saw that the health reform was a great enterprise, closely connected with the present truth, and that Seventh-day Adventists should have a home for the sick, where they could be treated for their diseases, and also learn how to take care of themselves so as to prevent sickness.” “I have publicly appealed to our brethren in behalf of an institution to be established among us…. Our people should furnish means to meet the wants of a growing Health Institute among us…. There should be connected with the Institute ample grounds, beautified with flowers, and planted with vegetables and fruits. Here the feeble could find work, appropriate to their sex and condition, at suitable hours.” Testimonies for the Church 1:553, 559-562.

These messages regarding temperance, the preservation of health, the healing of disease, and the erection and operation of a health institution made a profound impression upon the believers. They were thoroughly awakened to the importance of the great subject, and their response was remarkable. With great devotion they have thrown their activities into every phase of the health and temperance cause.AGP 306.2

Since the establishment of the first Health Institute in Battle Creek, in 1866, a total of 69 sanitariums have been erected and are being operated in all parts of the world. Besides this, there are 62 hospitals, clinics, and dispensaries, where the sick andAGP 306.3

suffering are freely received and treated. Connected with these institutions are 903 recognized, able physicians, 4,163 nurses, dietitians, and other employees required to carry on the work. In 1934, nearly nine million dollars had been invested in the land, buildings, and equipment of this extended system of medical ministry. To the first health journal, started in 1866, many others have been added in different parts of the world and in different languages. Medical and temperance literature, from books containing a thousand pages to leaflets of but four pages, has been issued by multiplied millions of pages. Health-food factories, and stores have likewise been established with an investment of more than two million dollars. The establishment and operation of a medical college for the training of physicians will be told at length in a later chapter.AGP 307.1

Thus in recognizing an organized, orderly church as Christ’s body on earth, and in arousing that church to world-wide missionary activity, and in setting in operation efficient methods of labor, Mrs. White has made a record in harmony with the prophets of God whose lives are recorded and whose works are preserved in the Scriptures for our guidance.AGP 307.2