Shriners Children's Texas Receives Heathy Kids, Healthy Families® Grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas

Shriners Children’s Texas today announced it was awarded a Healthy Kids, Healthy Families® (HKHF) grant by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX).

Launched in 2011, HKHF started as a three-year project designed to improve the health and wellness of at least one million children through community investments. The program was extended as BCBSTX’s ongoing commitment to the health and well-being of the children and families across Texas.

“This year’s grant process was especially important given the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Sheena Payne, BCBSTX’s director of community investments. “So, we are happy to award these grants that will support and nurture meaningful and transformational projects across Texas. Strategically, it is also important that we continue to aid community-based organizations that are directly supporting children and families who have been impacted by the health, economic and social implications of this pandemic.”

The HKHF program – which centers on nutrition, physical activity, disease prevention and management, and supporting safe environments – has awarded $14 million in funding and impacted the lives of close to three million children and their families in Texas.

Helping Us Make a Difference in Children's Lives

The motion analysis center (MAC) is a high-tech resource that physicians can use to provide precision medicine to children and that researchers use to develop the future of pediatric orthopedic care. A state-of-the-art motion capture camera system tracks the movements of the pediatric patients as they walk, reach, bend and move. The movement data captured is combined with objective measurement of muscle activity, energy expenditure and balance along with a detailed clinical exam. An interdisciplinary team uses engineering techniques, computer analysis and clinical experience to interpret this data. 

Orthopedic conditions are common for many of our patients and treatment is needed to improve their function, mobility and quality of life. The MAC provides services for a wide range of patients with diagnoses that include cerebral palsy, brachial plexus, scoliosis, spinal cord injury, arthrogryposis, clubfoot, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida and now, acute burns. Treatment can range from physical and/or occupational therapy; bracing or artificial limbs; and/or surgical intervention. Deciding which course of action will achieve the best possible patient outcome is not always clear. Each patient and family is unique and therefore requires an individualized plan of care. The MAC is an integral facet of providing precision medicine for our patients.