AnnualReport2020

relationships with other health care providers that will provide many more access points to Shriners Hospitals for Children. It is because of this rich history and the relationships we have established worldwide that Shriners Hospitals for Children was uniquely positioned to meet the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our long history of responding to emergencies, and providing leadership, creative solutions and health care during difficult times paid off for our patients, communities and affiliates. Our staff stepped in and offered guidance, compassion and innovative answers to our patients who, otherwise, would not have had access to medical care during this horrible pandemic. By advancing telehealth visits, and compassionate communication with affected families, our patients continued to be provided for during a time when access to our hospitals was limited by government restrictions. Just as an example, within days of the government’s restrictions, Shriners Hospitals for Children implemented a creative solution called the Fast Track Video Visit program, which allowed patients and families to meet with their physicians from the safety of their homes. Other examples include our volunteers making masks that were given to our patients and family members, our staff volunteering in the communities that we serve and our staff designing Personal Protective Equipment in response to the increased demand for the items. Likewise, through innovative thinking our hospitals were able to provide much needed support to our communities, and work with local emergency response centers. Because of our international presence, we were able to assist our affiliates worldwide with help and guidance. For example, several of our physicians were able to assist the government of El Salvador with their COVID-19 response. Our efforts and professionalism have been literally felt around the world.

While we know that our incredible staff members strive daily to live our mission and transform the lives of children, this year they have exceeded all expectations. We are truly thankful for our staff’s incredible dedication to our patients and our international communities even in the face of a pandemic. We deeply appreciate everything they have done to continue to care for our patients and communicate with their families during this exceedingly demanding time. It may be impossible to calculate the total number of lives improved, affected or touched by Shriners Hospitals for Children throughout our nearly 100-year history, but we know the impact of our work has made a difference for decades and generations. As we move into the future, we intend to maintain this rich tradition and even build upon it. I look forward to your continued support, dedication and commitment, as we anticipate a bright and strong future for our health care system. Sincerely, John P. McCabe Executive Vice President Shriners Hospitals for Children

A Message from our Executive Vice President A Bright and Promising Future For nearly 100 years, Shriners Hospitals for Children has provided care for children with specialized medical needs, regardless of the family’s ability to pay. Since the first Shriners Hospital opened in 1922 in Shreveport, Louisiana, our unique and generous health care system has provided care for more than 1.4 million children from around the world. Throughout our history, we have sought to provide the most innovative and comprehensive care possible, in an appropriate and patient-centered environment. That tradition continues today, as we offer new surgical techniques, and leverage our research initiatives to one day provide new medical knowledge and improve treatment protocols. We continue to create new care delivery models that better serve our patients’ and families’ needs and expectations, as well as meet the demands and requirements of the health care industry. We are also committed to reaching more children who need the services Shriners Hospitals for Children offers, and to providing that care efficiently, and closer to their homes. To that end, in addition to enhancing our telehealth efforts, we continue to establish new collaborative

2019•2020 YEAR IN REVIEW | 37