Since opening the doors of our first hospital in Shreveport, Louisiana, in 1922, Shriners Hospitals for Children has grown into one of the finest pediatric specialty health care systems in the world.
Thanks to the dedication and hard work of members of the Shriners International fraternity; the organization that founded and continues to support the health care system; one hospital soon became two, two became 10, and by 1958, 22 Shriners Hospitals for Children were making a difference in the lives of children in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. What has never changed over the years is Shriners Hospitals for Children's dedication to providing the best specialty medical care to children, regardless of a family's ability to pay.
So today, Shriners Hospitals for Children builds on its history, honors its deeply rooted traditions, and conveys our compassion, expertise and dedication to improving the lives of children.How we use donated award milesWhen we opened our first hospital our goal was to provide the best possible orthopedic care to children coping with the aftereffects of the polio virus in a compassionate environment, without asking for any payment.
Our mission remains the same; to provide the best care regardless of the ability to pay; but on a much larger, even global, scale. Today, we offer care for a full range of orthopedic issues as well as other conditions. Our mission has also expanded to include conducting innovative research that leads to improved treatment methods, and providing quality education opportunities for medical professionals.
Our staff is determined to provide the best, most comprehensive care to ensure that our patients become healthy, active and independent. And, we are committed to reaching as many children who could benefit from our services and our approach to health care as we can, wherever they may live. That's where United Airlines truly helps us make a difference; by coming along side us to aid in transporting patients to our locations.
Thank you for helping us impact the lives of children in need of expert medical care.