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60 Years of Healing. A Lifetime of Impact.

Since 1965, the Arizona Burn Center at Valleywise Health has helped thousands of people survive the unthinkable — and return to life with strength, purpose, and hope.

Leading the Way in Burn Recovery

When tragedy strikes — in a fire, an explosion, or a single moment that changes everything — people from across the state and beyond turn to the Diane & Bruce Halle Arizona Burn Center.

For 60 years, we have led the way in compassionate, life-saving burn care. What began as a small hospital unit has grown into one of the nation’s top verified burn centers. And while technology and treatments have evolved, our purpose remains the same: help every patient heal, rebuild, and move forward with confidence.

Building a Legacy in Burn Care

1960s–1970s

A Vision Takes Shape

  • First burn unit established at Maricopa County General Hospital
  • First lifesaving case: a 6-year-old with burns over 83% of her body
  • New hospital includes expanded burn unit with ICU beds
  • First dedicated burn facility opens in 1977

1990s

Gaining Recognition

  • Named Arizona’s Regional Burn Center by the state health department
  • Renovated and renamed the Arizona Burn Center
  • National leader Dr. Kevin Foster joins the team

2000s

Setting the Standard

  • Verified as an adult and pediatric burn center by the American Burn Association
  • Hosts national burn conferences and publishes leading research
  • Launches Arizona’s Burn Disaster Plan — now a national model
  • First to use advanced wound therapies including Vashe and Stratagraft

2010s

Advancing Research and Training

  • Introduced spray-on skin technology for complex cases with early FDA-approved use
  • Launched burn training program for medical teams in Hermosillo, Mexico
  • Led national trials on new skin substitutes, including Stratagraft
  • Published clinical research on wound care and grafting techniques
  • Expanded Arizona Burn Symposium into one of the largest in the U.S.

2020s

A New Era of Excellence

  • Opens the new Diane & Bruce Halle Arizona Burn Center in 2024, tripling capacity
  • Adds expanded pediatric beds and wellness spaces
  • Eight burn survivors, including staff and patients, summit Mount Kilimanjaro together in 2022
  • Launches statewide heat-related burn prevention campaign in 2025

Stories of Strength and Survival

Behind every innovation is a person whose life was forever changed. The survivors who walk out of our doors — and back into their lives — are the reason we do this work.

I am forever grateful for Dr. Foster, countless physician assistants, nurses, therapists and everyone at Valleywise Health for helping me through the recovery process. They all worked together to put devise a plan to set me up for the rest of my life.

Dillon Ryan

Survivor from the Chandler Gas Explosion

When we got to Valleywise, the doctors took action right away. This burn center is incredible and the medical team knew they needed to act fast. […] I wouldn’t want Westyn to be at any other facility. The Valleywise team treated my son like he was their son. He’s going to have surgery throughout his life as he grows, but I cannot imagine going anywhere but Valleywise. They saved my son’s life and for that I am forever grateful.

Amy Green

Mother of Westyn, a 3-year-old Burn Accident Survivor

The child life specialists were very friendly, but also very honest with us. When Leah expressed that she was worried or scared, they didn’t diminish her feelings. They talked her through it and, while they may not have always told her what she wanted to hear, they were always truthful, which helped Leah process all the experiences.

Lina Mazon

Mother of Leah, an 11-year-old Pediatric Burn Survivor

A Burn Center Designed for the Future

The new Diane & Bruce Halle Arizona Burn Center was built to reflect everything we’ve learned — creating a space where innovation, healing, and whole-person support come together. Designed with patients and families in mind, it offers an advanced treatment experience rooted in compassion.

Help Us Shape the Next 60 Years

We’ve come a long way, but there’s more to do. Your support helps us train tomorrow’s care teams, invest in new treatments, and offer every patient the care they deserve.