Proclaim January 15, 2024 to be Shriners Children’s Centennial Day
Whereas, Shriners Children’s Portland was established on January 15, 1924 on Sandy Blvd. and NE 82nd Ave. in Portland, Oregon and moved to Marquam Hill in 1983; and
Whereas, Shriners Children’s Portland has cared for tens of thousands of children in Oregon over the past 100 years and the Shriners Hospitals for Children system has cared for over 1.5 million children and provides world-class specialized care; and
Whereas, the year 2024 marks the centennial of Shriners Children’s Portland, a nonprofit hospital which provides specialized pediatric orthopedic care to children in the Pacific Northwest and beyond regardless of ability to pay, including dozens of international patients each year. It is appropriate at this time to extend special congratulations and the highest commendations for its achievements and positive impact on the communities it serves; and
Whereas, ranked nationally for its work in pediatric orthopedics by U.S. News & World Report and Press Ganey, which reflects the opinions of the patients it serves, Shriners Children’s Portland is the largest hospital in the region that offers comprehensive, specialized programs to respond to the limited options for this pediatric subspecialty care, including fractures, pediatric surgery, acute inpatient pediatric rehabilitation, reconstructive surgery, complex spine disorders, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and neuromuscular disorders; and
Whereas, renowned as an invaluable resource in the Pacific Northwest, Shriners Children’s Portland continues to help overcome barriers for patients accessing specialty pediatric care, including the coordination of housing and transportation services, with a team of volunteers who are able to drive long distances to pick up patients. Its efforts to ensure access for the community is greatly supported through its continuing collaboration with the Shriners international fraternity; and
Whereas, the invaluable contributions that Shriners Children’s Portland has made in pediatric orthopedic research, including the 2021 CMX biomarker study which reported on a collagen marker that eventually could allow surgeons to better recognize when a patient with scoliosis should discontinue bracing treatment. Their continued efforts to ensure access to vital care and resources for children and families reflect an organization devoted to provide you the best healthcare services possible for children in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
Now, therefore, I, Ted Wheeler, Mayor of the City of Portland, Oregon, the “City of Roses,” do hereby proclaim January 15, 2024, to be
Shriners Children’s Centennial Day
In Portland and recognize the countless individuals who have been involved in the success of the hospital including Shriners, volunteers, and staff throughout its history of service to the Portland community and beyond.