HURON — The Shriners Hospitals will be hosting a free screening clinic for children with orthopedic needs from 3 to 6 p.m. on Monday at the north side of the Huron Regional Medical Center Pediatric Clinic, 534 Oregon Ave. S.E.
Huron’s Shrine Club is based out of Aberdeen, the Yelduz Shrine Center, which the local James Valley Shrine Club is an umbrella of.
“Our servicing hospital is in St. Paul, Minn., right on the Mississippi River,” Allen Greenfield, member for 19 years and Co-ordinator of the screening clinic explained. “We have a representative from the Minneapolis hospital coming to the screening clinic to interview children and see if they qualify for our services, we also provide free transportation to and from the hospital.”
The special needs for burn victims treatments take place in Cleveland, Ohio. Flights are also provided for that service. Children who between 0-18 years-old are eligible for the services, and there is no cost to families or income guidelines, regardless of the families financial position.
The Screening Clinic started in 1922, and has served families across the U.S. and beyond who have these specific medical needs. Sometimes it takes years of treatment to bring  a patient to better health. Other times it can be just a case of surgery, depending on the medical condition.
“There are 22 Shriners Hospitals across the nation, Hawaii and Mexico,” explained Greenfield. “One of the first patients I became acquainted with at the Minneapolis hospital was a young lady that was born with no legs. The hospital built a cavity attached to a set of mechanical legs. When she was placed in them, the legs operated by her leaning left or right, allowing her easier movement and the ability to walk. That was one of those situations that brought tears to our eyes to see how happy she was. She said, “Look, I can walk.” She will have ongoing treatment, as she grows they will build new prosthesis to fit her.”
Currently the Yelduz Shrine Club out of Aberdeen serves approximately 470 clients in need of health services. At the end of the school year children are sent home with information leaflets about the screening clinic so parents can plan to utilize the services.    
“It seems new residents of Huron are not acquainted with what is available through the Shrine Hospitals,” explained Greenfield. “We’re currently serving quite a few children, but we think there are a lot more out there who could be treated through our hospital. That is our mission, to raise awareness of our services and treat those children.”

The Shrine Circus that travels to Huron and many other regions is the main fundraising source for the services, healthcare and transportation to the Screening Clinic. Other fundraisers are hosted throughout the year.
Should there be any individual that is interested in joining this endeavor to help children with orthopedic needs, please contact Greenfield at 350-4024, or any shrine member.
“People are welcome to walk in to the clinic, but appointments would be preferred,” Greenfield said. “At this time, we have approximately 13 appointments that I know of. If you don’t have an appointment come along and we will fit you in.”
For more information on the Screening Clinic or to make an appointment, call 612-596-6105.
“It is very rewarding for us as Shriners at the end of a child’s treatment program, to see that they have either been cured or vastly improved in their health situation,” Greenfield explained.

Signs to look for:
• In-toeing, toe-walking, flat feet
• Bowed legs or knocked knees
• Sore, painful, or stiff joints
• Limb deficiency
• Limb length discrepancy
• Curved spine indicating possible scoliosis
• Club feet
• Burn victims