Health & Medicine

America's First Insane Asylum Opens

The first insane asylum in America, known as the Pennsylvania Hospital, opened in Philadelphia. The institution was established with the aim of providing care for individuals suffering from mental illness. Dr. Benjamin Rush, a prominent physician and signer of the Declaration of Independence, was instrumental in its founding, advocating for humane treatment. The facility marked a significant step in the understanding of mental health, moving away from previous practices of imprisonment and neglect.

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