Shriner's Hospital

About us

Since opening its first hospital in Shreveport, Louisiana, in 1922, Shriners Children’s has grown into one of the world’s leading pediatric specialty healthcare systems. What began as a commitment to provide expert orthopedic care to children affected by polio — regardless of a family’s ability to pay — has evolved into a comprehensive, internationally recognized healthcare network serving children across the United States, Canada and Mexico. For more than a century, Shriners Children’s has remained guided by a simple but powerful mission: provide exceptional specialty care to children, regardless of the families’ ability to pay or insurance status. Today, Shriners Children’s delivers state-of-the-art care for children with orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, cleft lip and palate, and other complex healthcare needs. National and global outreach efforts extend our reach, helping connect more children to the care they need. Beyond clinical care, Shriners Children’s is committed to advancing pediatric medicine through groundbreaking research and to educating the next generation of healthcare professionals. Our multidisciplinary teams develop individualized care plans designed to help every child reach their fullest potential — physically, emotionally and socially. Admission to our facilities is based solely on medical need. Children under the age of 18 are eligible for care if there is a reasonable possibility they could benefit from our specialized services. As a nonprofit organization, Shriners Children’s relies on the generosity of donors and partners to make this life-changing care possible. Access to specialized care often requires travel. For many families, distance can be a significant barrier. Through its generous support, United Airlines helps bridge that gap. Donated award miles help transport patients and families to Shriners Children’s locations so children can receive the expert care they need. By helping remove the burden of travel, United Airlines plays a vital role in ensuring geography is not an obstacle to treatment. This partnership allows more children to access life-changing specialty care — and brings hope within reach for families when they need it most. Thank you for helping us impact the lives of children in need of expert medical care.