HEALTH CENTERS OF THE MASSACHUSETTS-HALIFAX HEALTH COMMISSION: WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO PRESCHOOL-AGE DENTAL CLINICS AND NUTRITION CLASSES

Health center work in Halifax and Dartmouth came about as a direct result of the ship disaster occurring in Halifax harbor, Dec. 6, 1917, when the Mont Blanc and the Imo collided. The Mont Blanc was loaded with trinitrotoluene, and a great explosion resulted, destroying the lives of 1,635 citizens, and wrecking several thousand dwelling houses. Practically all buildings in the two communities were severely damaged, the property loss alone amounting to $30,000,000. Immediately after the news reached Boston, citizens of Massachusetts hurried physicians and nurses to Halifax with relief and supplies. A very generous contribution of funds and supplies followed, the collection reaching almost $750,000. In addition, several shiploads and several trainloads of supplies and the personal assistance of many citizens of Massachusetts were contributed. As soon as the governments of Canada and England could visualize the disaster, and make plans to give permanent relief, a commission was formed