Document 21: "Suggestions Approved by Mrs. Sanger: New Program for Harlem Branch," 18 October 1932, Reel 33, Papers of Margaret Sanger, 1900-1966, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.
Introduction
This staff memo summarized the changes Sanger initiated after she had received Dr. Midian Bousfield's evaluation of the clinic for the Rosenwald Fund (see Document 16). It described the technical medical practices of the clinic, outreach activities, and research being conducted by medical staff. The final item on the list reflected Sanger's action in response to the Advisory Council's top priority: hiring African American staff. The Mrs. Jenkins mentioned in item 15 was Emmy Jenkins, an African American social worker who was hired on a one-year contract to begin 1 January 1933. The continuing economic privation in the neighborhood is alluded to as well. Among the actions to be taken, item 2 (canceling of outstanding bills) and item 7 (cutting fees for clinic services and supplies) were efforts to lower fees, which were proving to be a substantial barrier to Harlemites' use of the clinic. In addition to the changes listed in the memo, Sanger transferred Dr. Marie Levinson from the Clinical Research Bureau to work full time at the Harlem Branch clinic. Levinson worked well in the community and received praise from the Advisory Council and associated organizations. See Document 29 for an example of Dr. Levinson's interactions with Harlem community members at a birth control talk. See Document 22 for the Advisory Council's endorsement of Jenkins, Document 31 for Jenkins's account of her work in the clinic, and Document 33 for Jenkins's of support for the birth control movement. For the change in the fee structure of the clinic, see Document 27.
Oct. 18, 1932.
SUGGESTIONS APPROVED BY MRS. SANGER
NEW PROGRAM FOR HARLEM BRANCH.1. Send a check-up letter to all patients who have not visited the clinic in 3 months.
2. Send 2nd letter to patients notifying them that their bills have been cancelled.
3. Have names of the Advisory Council printed on the stationary.
4. Mrs. Ensign to do follow-up visiting on colored patients.
5. Mrs. Sanger to have a "throw away" printed to be distributed in churches, drug stores, Urban League etc.
6. No organizations to be visited (except by colored worker later).
7. The price of material to be reduced i.e. Jelly 25¢ Pessary $1.00-to colored patients only.
8. The fee for social agencies to be $1.00
(Letter covering points 7&8 to social agencies).
9. A series to be started with Duofoam (regardless of whether a patient can be fitted with a pessary or not.)
10. Arrangements to be made for Mrs. Sanger to speak in Harlem.
11. A meeting of the Advisory Council to be held Oct. 25 at 4P.M.
12. A full monthly report to be sent to Mrs. Sanger.
13. Mrs. Brestwell to be consulted about any matters that may arise and all suggestions we may have.
14. Dr. Levinson's time on special research work to be noted and sent to Mrs. Brestwell.
15. A social gathering, in the form of a tea, to be given at the clinic for the Social Workers Club in Harlem. Mrs. Sanger suggested that this be given when Mrs. Jenkins joins the staff.
Elizabeth G. Lautermilch, R.N.
Margaret H. Ensign, R.N.
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