The Burn Institute began in 1972 with the dream of one doctor who wanted to offer specialized care to burn patients at a regional burn center. Dr. Hugh Frank, a San Diego hand surgeon, mobilized a network of community activists to raise the money needed for a specialized treatment center.
The care of burn patients in a properly staffed and equipped burn center can save some lives, improve rehabilitation, and improve the quality of burn care,” Hugh told the San Diego Union-Tribune in 1972.
With that goal in mind, dedicated people in the community founded the Burn Institute, which was originally known as the Institute for Burn Medicine. In its first year, the Institute raised $68,000 to purchase beds and equipment for the region’s first burn unit at what was then University Hospital in Hillcrest.
November 1972
First meeting of the new board at the home of Mrs. Betty Comer.April 1973
San Diego Mayor Pete Wilson declares June “Institute for Burn Medicine” month.August 1973
Opening of area’s only regional burn center at University Hospital, with funds from the Institute For Burn Medicine.
A six-bed burn center opened August 6, 1973. During its first year of operation, the Burn Unit treated 89 patients - twenty-two were children.
Although its immediate goal was accomplished, the Institute for Burn Medicine remained in existence, turning its energies toward fire and burn prevention and burn survivor support in the community. In 1973, the Institute distributed a total of 15,000 brochures about fire and burn safety, gave 88 speeches about burn prevention, and was featured locally on television, radio and in several newspapers.
That same year, sixteen burn survivors formed the Burns Recovered Group. One year later, the group would start the annual Spirit of Courage Awards Banquet by presenting honors to a Chula Vista teenager who saved his brother’s life. In 2005, 32 years and more than 500 recipients later, the Burn Institute presented plaques to 14 heroic people at the 32nd Spirit of Courage Annual Awards Banquet.
From the beginning, the Burn Institute has had strong support from the fire service community. This close relationship began in 1975 with the donation from San Diego Fire Fighter’s Local 145 of a van purchased with funds from the annual Firefighter’s Ball held at the El Cortez Hotel.
Also in 1975, the Institute presented the University Hospital Regional Burn Unit with $25,000 to help expand the 6-bed unit to 14 beds.
Throughout the 1970s, the Institute continued to grow, and in 1980 became the 14th member of CHAD, the Combined Health Agencies Drive. This group of health-oriented charities works together to raise funds from individuals working at businesses throughout San Diego County.
September 1982
Name of Institute for Burn Medicine changed to Burn Institute.
In 1982, the Institute for Burn Medicine officially became the Burn Institute, and hosted its first holiday open house for donors and volunteers. It also made a bigger commitment to fire and burn prevention education by hiring its first program director. That same year, the Institute wrote a check for the $1 million dollars spent on burn prevention education and funding of burn care and research in the community during its 12-years of existence.
Throughout the 1980s, the Burn Institute continued its goal of reducing the number of burn injuries and deaths in San Diego and Imperial counties by creating and distributing important literature, including the Fire and Burn Prevention Checklist, the Juvenile Firesetter Brochure, and the Scald Prevention Poster.
Its puppet show, teaching children to “Stop, Drop & Roll” became increasingly popular, and was even featured in a national newspaper supplement to children called “The Mini-Page.”
August 1984
Wrote check representing $1 million spent in 12 years on burn prevention, education, burn care and research.August 1987
For the first time, Institute sponsors local children to attend a burn camp.June 1988
Began providing emergency funds for needy families of burn patients at regional burn center.
In 1988, the Institute started the Emergency Needs Fund. The fund provides housing for family members of burn patients at the UCSD Regional Burn Center, and transportation to the unit for low-income patients and their families living locally.
November 1990
Institute pledges $300,000 over three years to help renovate regional burn unit.December 1990
First holiday party for children with burn injuries held at San Diego Fire House Museum.February 1991
Burn Institute offers first workshop in San Diego County devoted to stopping juvenile firesetting.August 1991
First Burn Run/Firefighters Night at the Padres nets $13,000.October 1991
First San Diego County Fire Chiefs’ Association Golf Tournament to benefit the Burn Institute nets $7,800.April 1993
20th anniversary of the Spirit of Courage Awards Banquet.February 1993
First “Share Your Heart” Wine Tasting & Auction held in Del Mar nets nearly $10,000.
The 1990s began with a pledge by the Burn Institute for $100,000 a year for three years to UCSD for renovation of the UCSD Regional Burn Center. Construction began in 1992, and was unveiled at a grand opening ceremony in November 1994. The Institute attained its goal of giving $300,000 to the project.
May 1994
The Burn Institute Auxiliary was established.April 1994
Institute holds first local winter “Camp Beyond the Scars.”
In April 1987, the Institute started what would have become one of its hallmark programs the camp for Burn Injured Children. The camp was first held in conjunction with other agencies outside the area. But in spring 1994, the first local camp was held in San Diego. Later named Camp Beyond the Scars, this program has changed the lives of hundreds of children, giving them the emotional support and coping skills they need to live with their burns.
Today, two camp sessions are held each year one during a three-day winter weekend, and a weeklong camp held every summer.
The Institute is proud of its nationally recognized fire and burn prevention education programs, its program for intervening with juvenile firesetters, its outstanding summer and winter camps for children with burn injuries, installation of free smoke detectors for seniors, and for hosting the first retreat in the nation conducted by a single facilitator for adult burn survivors.
March 1995
Institute conducts first local summer “Camp Beyond the Scars,” for children with burns.June 1996
First retreat for adult burn survivors.October 1996
Institute launches program to install free smoke detectors for seniors.
December 1996
Institute makes funds available for patient census report at UCSD Regional Burn Center, bringing total contribution to date to $860,441.June 1997
The Burn Institute opens an office in the Imperial Valley.July 1997
Burn Run/FIRE EXPO combined with Firefighters Night at the Padres grosses $140,000 for the Institute.October 1997
Kicked-off “Wildfire!” campaign aimed at raising awareness about threat of brush fires.October 2002
The Burn Institute
Inland Empire affiliate was established at the Arrowhead Regional Medical Center.December 2005
The Burn Institute expands its office space, adds more staff, and moves into a 4,000 square-foot facility on Aero Drive.
Today, the Burn Institute continues to: reach thousands of children and adults each year with lifesaving fire and burn prevention education; fund vital burn research and treatment; and conduct burn survivor support programs that help children and adults cope with the devastating psychological and physical effects of their injuries.
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