Eureka, Shriners screen children for treatment

Jessie Faulkner/The Times-Standard
Redwood Shrine Club is gearing up for its May 2 screening clinic that will mean a number of children with orthopedic and other medical concerns will be on their way to the Shriner's Hospital in Sacramento for all-expenses-paid medical treatment.

At the clinic, set for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Joseph Surgical Center, 2705 Harris St., Eureka, a pediatrician will examine the children. If accepted, appointments are then set up at the Sacramento hospital.

Children with spinal deformities, hip problems, hand problems, orthopedic issues, missing limbs, bone disease, burns, cleft lips and palates and other issues are potentially eligible for the free medical treatment.

The program is designed for children from newborn to 18 years of age.

”We pay expenses there and back,” Redwood Shrine Club Screening Committee Chairman Gerald “Jerry” Colanter said.

All of the medical expenses at the hospital are also free.

And, depending upon the needed treatment, the no-cost care may extend over a number of years. For example, Colanter said, if a child has lost a limb and needs to be fit with a prosthesis, Shriners will cover cost of providing the artificial limbs until the child is grown.

All the Shriner's 22 hospitals in the U.S., Canada and Mexico run on donations, Colanter said, an effort that requires around $1 million per day.

Colanter urged those with children who may qualify for the program to call him at 725-2436,Richard Allen at 443-5336 or Jim Widdoes at 725-2408. Applications will be sent to those who call, but walk-ins are also welcome the day of the clinic.