The KofC Development Center at Cardinal Glennon

In April, 1982, The Knights of Columbus Developmental Center was opened at Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital, the only freestanding Catholic children's hospital in North America. It was begun as a joint collaboration between the Knights of Columbus Organizations of Illinois and Missouri, with the goal of providing comprehensive diagnostic and follow-up services, support and advocacy to infants, children and adolescents with developmental disabilities and their families.

The Center is staffed by two fellowship trained Developmental Pediatricians, a Developmental Therapist, and a Clinic Coordinator. We see approximately 850 patients/year, half from Missouri and half from Illinois. For the last five years we have served as the Developmental Pediatric Consultants to the early intervention program for the southern region of Illinois, Child and Family Connections, providing direct medical diagnostic consultation, advocacy, case management, and provider teaching opportunities. Approximately 60% of our patients receive Medicaid as their health insurance.

Over the last two decades, our increased understanding of the complex function of the brain and recognition of specific diagnosis, have allowed for the early identification of such disorders and the timely implementation of appropriate educational and rehabilitation programs. For the majority of children diagnosed with developmental disabilities, the rapid institution of appropriate measures such as the Tootsie Roll Drive helps us to accomplish this goal.