Shriners Hospitals for Children

If you know of a child Shriners Hospitals might be able to help, please call one of our toll-free patient referral lines between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern Time.
In the United States:1-800-237-5055. In Canada: 1-800-361-7256
You may also contact us here at Kerbela Shrine Temple (865) 573-1901

The Shrine supported various charities almost from its inception. In 1920, however, the organization voted to adopt its own official philanthropy, dedicated to providing free orthopaedic medical care to children in need, and the first Shriners Hospital for Children was built in Shreveport, La. in 1922. The Shrine's philanthropy eventually expanded to 22 " Centers of Excellence" including its three Shriners Burns Institutes.

Shriners Hospital for Children is a network of 19 orthopaedic hospitals and three burns institutes, founded by the Shrine, where children under the age of 18 receive excellent medical care absolutely free of charge. Shriner Hospitals are located throughout North America, with 20 hospitals in the United States and one each in Mexico and Canada. There is never a charge to the patient, parent or any third party for any service or medical treatment received at the hospitals, and no state, local or federal funding of any kind is sought or accepted by Shriners Hospitals.

How Are Shriners Hospitals Funded ?

Where does the money come from? Shriners Hospitals are supported primarily by income from the Shriners Hospital for Children endowment fund, which is maintained through donations and bequests from both Shriners and non-Shriners. Additional income represents each Shriner's annual hospital assessment and fund raising events sponsored by Shrine Temples, Clubs and Units.

What Type of Cases Are Treated At Shriners Hospitals ?

Some of the most common orthopaedic problems treated at Shriners Hospitals are:
1. Scoliosis (curvature of the spine)
2. Osteogenesis imperfecta (brittle bone disease)
3. Hand Problems
4. Back Problems
5. Limb deficiencies and growth problems
6. Orthopaedic problems of spina bifida with myelodysplasia (paralysis of limbs due to faulty congenital development of the spine and spinal nerves).
7. Orthopaedic problems resulting from neuromuscular disorders
8. Legg-Perthes disease (development problems of the hip)
9. Ricketts
10.Orthopaedic problems of cerebral palsy

The Springfield Hospital's Medical Library Resource Page offers links to useful medical resources on the Web.