Shriners Children’s Northern California is celebrating several important milestones. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the entire Shriners Children’s system and the 25th anniversary of the Sacramento hospital.
The Sacramento location launched the first Shriners Children’s pediatric burn program and spinal cord injury program in western North America when it opened in 1997. Of all Shriners Children’s locations nationwide, only four facilities specialize in burn care. The Sacramento location is unique as the only hospital to offer all Shriners Children’s specialties, including pediatric orthopedics and pediatric surgery. The Sacramento site welcomes children from across western North America and the Pacific Rim islands.
“These milestones let us reflect on what has been accomplished,” says Alan Anderson, director of development. “We’ve helped children in extraordinary ways thanks to generous community support. We have advanced what can be expected from medical care. Children who previously would not have survived or would have had more limited options now have brighter futures.”
Shriners invests a portion of financial contributions each year in research. The Sacramento hospital is home to promising studies in both basic science — before any work with patients — and clinical studies with patients.
“The research we’ve funded has been responsible for amazing medical developments and breakthroughs,” Anderson says. “With our investment, we gain new established data recognized by other organizations. This influences not only how we practice but also medical science, raising the bar of care industry-wide and worldwide.”
Shriners Children’s plans to produce another 25 years of medical advancements, continuing to care for kids with ever more revolutionary practices.
“For the children and families whose quality of life is directly tied to medical progress and achievement,” Anderson says. “Shriners Children’s Northern California is committed to continuing to lead our pediatric specialties.”
