S*0803 Resolution, By Alexander, Anderson, Bright, Bryant, Campbell, Campsen, 
Cleary, Coleman, Courson, Cromer, Davis, Elliott, Fair, Ford, Grooms, Hayes, 
Hutto, Jackson, Knotts, Land, Leatherman, Leventis, Lourie, Malloy, L. Martin, 
S. Martin, Massey, Matthews, McConnell, McGill, Mulvaney, Nicholson, O'Dell, 
Peeler, Pinckney, Rankin, Reese, Rose, Ryberg, Scott, Setzler, Sheheen, 
Shoopman, Thomas, Verdin and Williams
 A SENATE RESOLUTION TO URGE SHRINERS INTERNATIONAL TO TAKE SUCH ACTION AS IS
 NECESSARY TO ASSURE THE CONTINUED OPERATION OF THE GREENVILLE SHRINERS
 HOSPITAL FOR CHILDREN.

   05/07/09  Senate Introduced and adopted SJ-14

TO URGE SHRINERS INTERNATIONAL TO TAKE SUCH ACTION AS IS NECESSARY TO ASSURE THE CONTINUED OPERATION OF THE GREENVILLE SHRINERS HOSPITAL FOR CHILDREN.

Whereas, the Greenville Shriners Hospital for Children has provided orthopedic treatment to more than 45,000 children since its founding in 1927; and

Whereas, all surgical procedures, prosthetics, treatment, and therapy have been provided without charge to the patients' parents or insurance companies; and

Whereas, the hospital is an important asset to the community and the State. Many children receive treatment which might not otherwise be available to them. Care is given without regard to race, religion, ethnic origin, or relation to a Shriner; and

Whereas, current financial conditions have forced the Shriners to consider several cost cutting measures. One proposal is to close the Greenville Shriners Hospital for Children. This proposal would close five other Shriners Hospitals, reducing the overall number from twenty-two to sixteen; and

Whereas, representatives of the 191 Shrine Temples at the Shriners International annual meeting in July 2009 will evaluate the options proposed and vote to adopt plans to reduce the operational expenses of the Shriners Hospitals for Children system. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the South Carolina Senate urge Shriners International to take such action as is necessary to assure the continued operation of the Greenville Shriners Hospital for Children.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Shriners International.