Shriners’ clinic serves record number of children on Owatonna

OWATONNA — At noon, a quiet hum filled the Steele County Community Center. The coffee was still in good supply, but the cookies were going fast. Fancy the clown was on his third round of balloon animals. In other words, it was a pretty busy day at the Shiners’ Evaluation Clinic.

“This is probably one of the better days we’ve had,” said Leonard Binstock, local Shriners’ president.

Shriner David Mussman said they were set to see 14 kids from the area — a record.

“It’s terrible to see, but it’s great that we can help them,” Mussman said.

The traveling clinic came to town on Saturday to provide information to families who could use the services of the Shriners’ Hospital in the Twin Cities and help get them started in the enrollment process.

Shriners International is a non-profit that funds a network of 22 hospitals in the U.S. that offer children suffering from orthopedic maladies and serious burns medical services ranging from prosthetic limbs to complex surgeries — all free of charge.

The Twin Cities location specializes in care for children suffering from bone, muscle or joint problems. It serves seven states in the Upper Midwest.

Patients are granted access to care, regardless of their income. Children of all economic levels are welcome to apply. Similarly, workers at the hospital will not inquire about a family’s immigration status. Kautto said the organization provides care to children. Period. The organization also provides language interpreters and will pay for transportation, if need be.

Once a child becomes eligible for services they can get complete care until age 18, Binstock said.

“It’s a real benefit to the families in these circumstances,” Binstock said.

In the last 11 years, over 100 local children have used the Shrine’s services, Mussman said. There are about 20 active patients from the are right now. Binstock said the Shrine is not limited by the Steele County line — the group has helped children from Mower, Freeborn, Rice and Dodge Counties as well.

The Shriners are a branch of the Masonic Lodge. Once in the Masons, you can also join the Shrine. The Shrine is the fun-loving side of the fraternal order — the group that rides in tiny cars, marches in parades and has a “clown unit.”

“This is what Shriners really do,” Mussman said. “We built the hospital in Minneapolis in 1922. We’ve been doing this since.”

The group has existed in Steele County for decades, and celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2009. There are approximately 90 Shriners in the area, Binstock said, which makes it one of the largest Shrine groups in greater Minnesota. The Shriners have several fundraisers over the year, including a minigolf tournament in August and a pancake breakfast in February. In addition, the group also runs a booth at the Steele County Free Fair. Mussman said that most of the money they raise comes from bequests. A portion comes from Shriner dues.

Families who missed the clinic can still apply for help, and can contact Mussman at 455-1562.

“Our hospital is open 12 months out of the year. If they couldn’t make it, they can contact any Shriner or me and we’ll get the application,” Mussman said. “We’ll get them set up.”

Clare Kennedy can be reached at 444-2376.

Share:

Digg

Guidelines: Welcome to the Owatonna People's Press community. Please keep your comments civil. Don't attack other readers personally and keep your language decent. If you would like to report abuse click here to notify us.
Member Opinions: By: sinker68 on 5/9/10 What a great organization! They have helped my children many times. Thanks to Dave and everyone involved with Shriners......It's too bad an article like this rarely gets any posts. I think most people feel better being negative and like to complain all the time. What's more positive than helping children with health issues? By: kadrmas21 on 5/10/10 Awesome for the Shriners! I have always respected you guys for all you do and literally not for profit. Just awesome and selfless. I am also glad you guys do not ask immigration status. While I am normally very tough on the illegal alien issue, I do not support asking families about that in this instance. It is not children's faults that their parents broke the law. Awesome job though Shriners and glad you were able to help out a bunch of kids. By: LookHere on 5/10/10 I agree with both Sinker and Kadrmas, they are a great organization that gives so much and asks for so little. Thank you for all you do!!
Login and voice your opinion!