Shriners Hospitals for Children
The Shriners Story
In 1870, a group of gentlemen belonging to the world's oldest fraternity, masonry, began to discuss the idea of creating a new “brotherhood of men— dedicated to fun and fellowship—but with a serious purpose.” The “Shriners” as they became known, wanted to distinguish themselves as a fellowship dedicated to the enjoyment of life, but with a commitment to philanthropy. Membership grew rapidly across the United States in the early 1900s and even spread to Canada, Mexico and Panama. Today, there are over 350,000 Shriners worldwide, belonging to 191 chapters.
In 1922, with their mission to be the "World's Greatest Philanthropy," the first “Shriners Hospital for Children” was opened in Shreveport, Louisiana. All care and services were provided without charge to the patient and family.
Today Shriners Hospitals for Children is in its 87th year, and is a one-of-a-kind international health care system of 22 hospitals where over one million children have been treated. Every year the hospitals provide the most advanced medical care for thousands of kids with orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries and cleft lip and palate in a family-centered environment – all at absolutely no charge.
The Shriners philosophy of care is one of treating the whole child and not only their physical ailments. All staff members are committed to providing quality, family centered health care for their patients and their families. Children up to age 18 are eligible for admission to Shriners Hospitals for Children. Admission is based solely on a child’s medical needs, regardless of financial need and without regard to race, color, creed, sex and sect.
Shriners Hospitals for Children is also dedicated to educating physicians and clinicians, and to conducting innovative research to provide answers to complex medical difficulties affecting children. By maintaining relationships with more than 60 medical teaching facilities worldwide, Shriners Hospitals fosters an academic environment committed to providing high-quality medical care to all patients.
Shriners Hospitals for Children is a fully qualified 501(c)(3) charitable organization under IRS regulations. Donations are tax-deductible. Shriners Hospitals for Children depends upon gifts and bequests from our donors to continue its mission. It is the recipient of the Independent Charities Seal of Excellence award. This represents that Shriners has, upon rigorous independent review, certified, documented and demonstrated, annually, that they meet the highest standards of public accountability, program and cost effectiveness.
Helping Kids Defy the Odds
