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Tuesday, March 19, 2002

The most successful social reformer of her time was Dorothea Dix. This outstanding woman is all the more remarkable considering the time in which she lived.

Her career spanned from 1841 to 1881, during which she devoted energy toward improvements in prisons, almshouses and special hospitals for the mentally ill, and undertook direction of the nursing services of the Union forces during the Civil War. Her post-Civil War efforts included caring for disabled veterans and raising funds for war memorials.

Her work in Pittsburgh began in 1844, following her survey of the Allegheny County Jail. The survey resulted in a blistering criticism and publication of abuses by jail officials in the local newspapers. Her campaign brought about Dixmont Hospital (now closed) along Route 65 in Kilbuck. Dixmont initially was called Western Pennsylvania Hospital for the Insane, but it was belatedly renamed for Dix in 1907. Her determined efforts with the state Legislature brought about state responsibility for the care of mentally disturbed people in jails and almshouses, and led to the first state appropriations for this cause in 1855.

Dix's formula for success was based on conducting a good preliminary investigation, personally selecting the leaders to carry out her program and guiding the leaders. Her accomplishments were due to an appeal to universal humanity and the skill she had in dealing with state legislators.

Dix accepted no material reward. She was gifted with a dynamic stern discipline, rare foresight and unusual competence. Through her singular efforts, institutions for the insane and destitute were founded in 20 states and in Canada. She died in 1887 at the age of 85.

-- By Dr. E. Kenneth Vey, History Center Library and Archives volunteer