Burn Institute

Organization Spotlight

Founded in 1972, the Burn Institute has dedicated the past 36 years to reducing the number of burn injuries and deaths in San Diego. Through its fire- and burn-prevention education, burn survivor support groups and funding for burn care research and treatment, the Burn Institute meets a great need for thousands of local children and adults each year.

“The Burn Institute provides many services to the community of San Diego County,” explains Diana Sparacino, the organization’s director of communications. “For example, because we live in an environment susceptible to wildfire, it is important that residents know how to safeguard their loved ones and property with proper brush clearance and have an evacuation plan in place before the next firestorm hits. Preparation and education are key components outlined in the Burn Institute’s Wildfire Guide—a valuable resource that is available online.”

Sparacino adds that the Burn Institute is also valuable in offering burn-prevention education and outreach to schools and community organizations.

“And because accidents happen, the Burn Institute is there to provide assistance and support services to burn survivors and their families,” she continues.

Support services for burn survivors include the organization’s Camp Beyond the Scars, established in 1987 as a winter and summer retreat for burn-injured children between the ages of 5 and 16. A three-day weekend Retreat for Adult Burn Survivors is available for burn survivors 18 and older.

“Nearly every day I am reminded what a crucial role the Burn Institute plays in our local community,” Sparacino says. “Whether it be a family member coming into the office to give us an update on a burn survivor we visited while receiving treatment; a member of the fire service dropping by to pick up donated theater tickets for his or her family—which we provide as a thank-you for fighting the recent wildfires; seeing the happy faces of children enjoying Camp Beyond the Scars; a relieved parent learning through our Juvenile Firesetter Program that he or she is not alone; or being able to answer the call when a senior asks if we can install a smoke alarm in their home—a service we provide free of charge. These are just a few of the direct services we provide to the community, and a large part of the reason the Burn Institute is such a rewarding place to work!”

Volunteers are needed at the Burn Institute’s several yearly fund-raisers, which include the Fire Expo, golf tournaments and banquets, as well as in the office to provide a variety of administrative duties.

For volunteer opportunities with the Burn Institute, contact Kathleen Frampton, director of volunteer services, at 858-541-2277 ext. 11 or visit www.burninstitute.org.