Fonds 1209 - Herzl Dispensary

For most of the 20th century, Canada did not have universal health care for its citizens. During the period of largest immigration that led to the rapid growth of Montreal’s Jewish community, individuals had to pay for their own medical care out of pocket. Often times, a newly arrived immigrant or those with less monetary means, may have been forced to forego a visit to a doctor. At this time, many Jewish people in Montreal were members of a sick benefit association, which provided care for its members. In 1912, the ladies auxiliary of one such group, the King Edward Benefit Association, collaborated with a group of Jewish doctors to found the Herzl Dispensary. The Dispensary was very important to the community as by 1912, large numbers of Jewish immigrants were arriving in Montreal. With the founding of the Herzl Dispensary families and individuals could receive quality health care at little to no cost.

The Herzl Dispensary offered Jewish immigrants care in Yiddish. The Herzl Dispensary evolved over the years to include numerous services all under the vision of preventive, whole family health care. In its earlier years, it included a children’s clinic, a preventative medicine clinic, a well-being clinic, and a dental clinic. Other services such as an obstetrics programme, social work services, psychiatric care, and geriatric care were added later.

1912 – Herzl Dispensary opens on St. Dominque Street

1914 – Dispensary moves to St. Urbain Street

1936 – Dispensary moves again to Jeanne Mance Street

1948 – Dispensary changes its name to reflect its total health care mission; it now becomes the Herzl Health Centre

1973 – The Herzl Health Centre joins forces with the Jewish General Hospital Family Practice Centre.

1979 – Because of the success of the Herzl under the Jewish General Hospital, the Herzl hands over its charter to the Hospital.

Today, the Goldman Herzl Family Practice Centre operates out of the Jewish General Hospital.