The Nemours Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the health and well-being of children. With origins dating back to 1936, Nemours has become a leading provider of pediatric healthcare services in the United States, serving more than 300,000 children annually across four states.
The foundation was established by Alfred I. duPont, a wealthy industrialist and philanthropist, in honor of his late daughter, Jessie Ball duPont, who had passed away at a young age. The foundation was initially focused on supporting charity work in Delaware, but in the 1950s, it expanded its mission to include pediatric healthcare, with Nemours Children’s Clinic opening in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1955.
Today, Nemours operates two freestanding children’s hospitals, one in Wilmington, Delaware, and the other in Orlando, Florida, as well as numerous outpatient clinics, specialty care centers, and telehealth services. Its healthcare providers include more than 600 pediatricians, subspecialists, and surgeons, as well as nurses, psychologists, social workers, and other healthcare professionals.
Nemours’ mission is to provide family-centered, specialty pediatric care that is focused on the unique needs of each child and family. Its services range from primary care, such as well-child visits and immunizations, to specialized care for complex and chronic conditions, such as cardiology, neurology, oncology, and orthopedics. Nemours’ providers also offer behavioral and mental health services, nutrition counseling, and physical therapy, among other services.
Nemours is committed to advancing pediatric health through research, education, and advocacy. It invests in research to develop new treatments and therapies for childhood illnesses and disorders, and participates in clinical trials to improve the safety and effectiveness of pediatric therapies. Nemours also partners with academic institutions, such as the University of Delaware and the University of Central Florida, to train the next generation of pediatric healthcare providers and researchers.
In addition, Nemours advocates for policies and initiatives that support the health and well-being of children, such as increased access to healthcare, improved school nutrition, and decreased exposure to environmental toxins. The foundation also provides resources and tools for parents and caregivers to help them make informed decisions about their children’s health.
Nemours’ commitment to excellence in pediatric healthcare has earned it numerous accolades and recognition. Its hospitals and clinics have been ranked among the best in the nation by organizations such as U.S. News & World Report, and its healthcare providers have received numerous awards for their outstanding care and patient outcomes.
Nemours’ impact is not limited to the children it serves directly. The foundation has also made significant contributions to the field of pediatric healthcare overall. Its research has led to breakthroughs in the treatment of childhood cancer, cystic fibrosis, and other diseases. Its advocacy has helped to shape public policies and regulations that improve the health of all children.
In conclusion, the Nemours Foundation is a shining example of the power of philanthropy and dedication to improving the lives of children. Its legacy of innovation, compassion, and excellence continues to inspire others to work towards a better future for children everywhere. Whether through direct care, research, education, or advocacy, Nemours’ impact will be felt for generations to come.