Galveston PHS

• Origins in Public Health: The Galveston PHS (Public Health Service) traces its beginnings to the United States Marine Hospital Service, which established a hospital in Galveston in the late 19th century to care for sick and injured seamen. • Fighting Yellow Fever: The unit played a crucial role in combating yellow fever outbreaks in the Gulf Coast, conducting quarantine operations and medical interventions that saved countless lives. • Quarantine Station: Galveston served as a major quarantine station for immigrants and ships entering the United States, helping prevent the spread of infectious diseases. • 1900 Hurricane Response: After the devastating 1900 Galveston Hurricane, Public Health Service officers were instrumental in disaster response and disease control amidst the devastation. • Military Service in Wartime: Members of the Galveston PHS were deployed during World War I and II, serving as medical officers in the U.S. military and supporting the war effort. • Research and Innovation: The Galveston PHS contributed to medical research, particularly on tropical and infectious diseases, influencing public health practices nationally. • Integration into the Coast Guard: The PHS collaborated with the U.S. Coast Guard in Galveston, providing medical support to personnel and participating in maritime health operations. • Historic Buildings: The original Marine Hospital building in Galveston became a local landmark, symbolizing the long-standing federal presence in the city. • Influence on Modern CDC: The disease surveillance and control methods developed by Galveston PHS officers influenced the later creation of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). • Legacy in Medical Education: Galveston PHS personnel collaborated with the University of Texas Medical Branch, helping to train generations of physicians and public health professionals.