The Masonic Child ID Program (CHIP)

It's No Secret!

In the spring of 2003, Elizabeth Smart of Utah, abducted, held in the woods by her kidnapper, hears the scent dogs searching nearby. She has been spirited away from her home, her bedroom, only hours before. According to an article by Dr. David Harte, director of the Massachusetts Masonic CHIP (CHild ID) Program and member of the state dental identification response team, the dogs could have found her that day if Miss Smart's parents had her Toothprint from the Masonic CHIP program. ("The Trowel", Fall 2003)

According to Irving Shapiro, Assistant Director of the CHIP program in Massachusetts, the CHIP began in New York to aid with finding missing and runaway children. Soon after, the first CHIP event in Massachusetts was held in 1996 at the North Shore Mall in Peabody. Over one thousand Children's fingerprints and video images were recorded at that first event. About four years ago, Toothprints, a simple dental impression, was added to the program. DNA oral swabs will be added in the near future. All of the identification materials are given to the children's parents or guardians to store until they may be needed by the police. The Masons do not keep any of the identification materials or any of the personal information of any of the children or parents.

The scope of the CHIP program is impressive. Since its inception, over 225,000 different children have been processed by CHIP volunteers. The Masons pay about $3.00 per child for all of the necessary supplies. The June 2003, issue of the ADA News reported that over 1/3 of Massachusetts Dental Society dentists have donated their time to CHIP programs.

Saturday, November 19, the Health Advisory Committee of the Lynnfield Schools will host a community wide CHIP event at Huckleberry Hill School, during the annual pancake breakfast. The program will be manned by community and Masonic volunteers.