Riley's Children's Hospital

Construction for the hospital began in 1923 and a year later, Mary Emma Thiebaud announced her idea to cheer up those in the hospital, during this time only 100 women tended to such ideas. In 1926, the hospital expanded and a nursing residence was added, housing only 165 nurses. Years later, in 1931,  over $250,000 was raised to develop a wing for patients to live while receiving care. This was a monumental accomplishment because the Great Depression hit it's peak during this time. This hospital has accomplished many firsts including: first fontan procedure, first critical care transport, first liver transplant pediatric)m and first use of Repiphysis, in Indiana. Years later, in 2003, doctors at Reilly’s completed the first pulmonary autograft mitral valve repair in Indiana. In 2011, the hospital was ranked 10/10 by the US. News. Reilly’s has started some great programs for children encouraging them to make better choices for their health such as Change the Play initiative. This program teaches kids about the importance of healthy habits including eating healthy and exercise. In addition, Reilly Hospital created a space for kids to forget about the hospital environment for a while. This is a safe place for patients to play, and allows them to just be kids.

“History of Riley at IU Health.” Riley Children's Health, www.rileychildrens.org/about/history.