Shriner’s Childrens is committed to offering unique, patient-centered care for children around the world. Since opening their first hospital in 1922, the nonprofit has provided specialty medical care for children and their families regardless of insurance status or the ability to pay. This year, the organization celebrates 100 years of providing hope and healing for children and looks forward to the next 100 years of care.
“For the last century, our compassionate doctors and care teams have improved the lives of more than 1.5 million children,” says Administrative Lead Deborah Rubens. “As an organization committed to caring for our children, we are immensely proud of our legacy and achievements. At the same time, we continue to look forward and remain steadfast in our mission to change and improve as many children’s lives as we can.”
2022 is a monumental year for the Sacramento location because it also commemorates two additional milestones: the 25th anniversary of Shriners Children’s Northern California and its world-renowned Neil Reitman Pediatric Burn Institute, and the 150th anniversary for Shriners International. Since 1997, the Neil Reitman Pediatric Burn Institute has cared for children up to age 18 with burn injuries ranging in size and severity. The groundbreaking care and research Shriners Children’s Northern California has provided through its burn program is unique due to both scope and depth.
“Through continued research, innovation and pioneering medical treatments, patients today are surviving burns that were once fatal for previous generations.” — Dr. David Greenhalgh, MD, Chief of Shriners Children’s Northern California Burn Program
“With the support of generous donors, we have saved the lives of thousands of children with burn injuries,” says Chief of Shriners Children’s Northern California’s Burn Program Dr. David Greenhalgh, M.D. “Through continued research, innovation and pioneering medical treatments, patients today are surviving burns that were once fatal for previous generations.”
Of all Shriners Children’s facilities nationwide, only four offer burn care programs. The Sacramento location, which is considered the flagship hospital of the four, is the only hospital that also offers all the other Shriners Children’s specialties.
“Not only have we been able to promote advancements in treatment, but we also support our patients and their families through other tangible ways such as hosting summer camps for child burn survivors, supporting nursing expertise in burn care by sponsoring educational opportunities for our specialty trained pediatric nurses, and fostering injury prevention awareness,” says Dr. Greenhalgh.
Also notable for the organization is the 150th anniversary for Shriners International, a fraternity with nearly 200,000 members, which was founded in New York City in 1872 by a group of Masons. Master Mason membership is based on the fundamentals of Masonry with the added elements of fun and fellowship. Today, members of the Shriners International brotherhood can be found on six continents.
“The bond of brotherhood that Shriners enjoy also helps them develop personal and professional skills such as communications and leadership,” says Kay Dunn, Shriner and chairman of the Board of Governors for the Northern California hospital. “In addition to fun and fellowship, Shriners value serving their communities in ways large and small, from hosting charity events to volunteering their time to supporting their official philanthropy, Shriners Children’s.”
“The future is bright for Shriners Children’s,” says Rubens. “We are tremendously grateful for our donors and partners for their support and look forward to our next 100 years of caring for children and their families.”
