Ben Ali Shriners Clinic Benefits Amador Children

For the first time in Amador County, Shriners Hospitals for Children® held a well attended screening clinic in the Amador County Health and Human Services Building in Sutter Creek on Saturday June 12, 2010. During this no-cost clinic, 16 children were found eligible to receive care through the specialized services available at Shriners Hospital in Sacramento with no financial obligation to the parents or families.

“We are extremely pleased with the outcome of this clinic and the benefit to children in our local community,” said Tom Thompson, President of local Mother Lode Shriners. “Without the use of the Health and Human Services Building in Sutter Creek and support of our Board of Supervisors, the huge success of this clinic would not have been possible. Living and working in a community where the health of our children is so highly valued truly deserves praise.”

Mr. Thompson further commented on the local medical community who readily volunteered their time without hesitation to the children of Amador County. “Dr. Amy Appleton from Sutter Amador Pediatric Center, Dr. Bob Hartmann, and our nurses, Barbara Long, Mary Richards, and Carole Myers should also be commended for the seamless clinic operation.”

Every year, Shriners Hospitals for Children® provides care for thousands of kids, up to age 18, with orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate, in a family-centered environment. A family's income or insurance status are not criteria for a child's acceptance as a patient. There is no charge for services provided within Shriners Hospitals for Children® facilities. Transportation to Shiners Hospital is provided free of charge.

“As a physician in our county, I see the substantial benefit of programs like this,” commented Dr. Bob Hartmann, Amador County Health Officer. “The lives of each of these children will be vastly affected by the care they receive and will be evident both physically and emotionally as their conditions are treated.”

Shriners Hospitals for Children® have been changing the lives of children since 1922.