Where compassion meets care: Shriners Children's expands access to orthopedic services

For low-income, underinsured, and uninsured families, treating their kids' musculoskeletal complications can feel impossible. That is why Shriner's Children's covers the ongoing costs of treatment - a philanthropy model that pays for patients who can't. 

Brian Alberts, Director of Philanthropy, shared how their Greenville location is expanding access across the Lowcountry. They have partnered with MUSC's Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital's pediatric burn center, providing a $3 million grant for care and research. Understanding early diagnosis is crucial to treating conditions like scoliosis and hip dysplasia, they offer screenings at Charleston County District schools. Recognizing public awareness and support is key, Brain has been presenting in underserved areas and invites everyone to attend their annual Charleston Classic NCAA Basketball Tournament in November. 

Shriners Children's Greenville treats 85 different orthopedic conditions, serving as the only inpatient/outpatient orthopedic hospital in the Southeast. For distant residents, Shriners offers transportation and lodging through their partnership with the nearby Ronald McDonald House. Diagnoses can occur in their motion analysis lab or with their EOS machine - a significantly lower dose of radiology imaging. Those recovering from amputations can receive a custom prosthetic, which have been made and delivered to over 7,000 pediatric-patients to date. On average, they receive 75 clinic visits per day. Not only are they providing critical care, they do it with compassion. Shriners Children's Greenville has been voted as “Best in the Upstate” for Best Hospital, Best Pediatric Clinic, Best Orthopedics Center and Best Place to Work. 

Nationally, Shriners Children's provides care in 33 states and internationally, 46 countries. Of those locations, 19 different facilities treat conditions like cleft pallet and fund research for medical advancement. 

If you want to help Lowcountry children thrive regardless of their condition and family's economic status, there are many ways to give. Whether it be through planned giving, sponsorships, fundraising, or individual donations, every penny contributes to their 88% philanthropy operating budget, where 87 cents of every dollar directly funds services. Those interested in hearing Brian present can email him directly and if seeking an event space, indirectly support the organization by renting the Omar Shrine Center in Mount Pleasant!