Family First is pleased and thankful to announce our new partnership with Shriners Hospitals for Children.  Super Bowl-winning head coach, and Family First spokesman, Tony Dungy, announced the formation of this joint effort to benefit children and families.

Dungy is an alumnus of the Shriners East-West Shrine Game, America's premier all-star college football game.  "I have great memories of my experience as a player in the East-West Shrine game," said Dungy.  "And since that time, my respect for the Shriners Hospitals and the work they do has grown.   I am equally impressed by Family First and its outreach to families.  I am honored to announce that Shriners Hospitals for Children is a Family Foundation Partner."

Shriners Hospitals for Children is an international health care system dedicated to improving the lives of children by providing specialty pediatric care, innovative research and outstanding teaching programs. Children up to the age of 18 with orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, as well as cleft lip and palate are eligible for admission and receive all care in a family-centered environment with no financial obligation to patients or families.

We are also pleased to announce that Peter F. Armstrong, M.D., FRCSC, FACS, FAAP, Chief Medical Officer for Shriners Hospitals for Children will be working closely with us in the form of video blogging and providing medical expertise on subjects that affect families.

Dr.  Armstrongsaid the new partnership gives Shriners Hospitals for Children another avenue for helping families.  "The care we give through our hospitals is very family-centered; we reach out not only to our patients, but to their parents and siblings as well.  Parenting, even under the best circumstances, can be a struggle in today's world.  We believe that Family First's programs give mothers and fathers a reliable and compassionate place they can turn to for help and support."

Dr. Armstrong has been Chief Medical Officer since 2000. Prior to his appointment, he was Chief of Staff of Shriners Hospitals for Children Intermountain, in Salt Lake City.  He is a member of numerous professional societies and organizations, among them: Canadian Orthopedic Association; American Orthopedic Association, American Burn Association, American College of Healthcare Executives, College of Physician Executives, American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Medical Association.

We're thrilled about partnering with Dr. Armstrong and Shriners Hospitals for Children to help families stay safe.