Panhandle Health District

                                                              8500 N. Atlas Road         Hayden, Idaho  83835

www.phd1.idaho.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                      Date:     April 7, 2010                  

Contact:                                                                            Released by: Jeanne Bock, Director                     

Cynthia Taggart

Public Information Officer

(208) 415-5108

(208) 818-7288 (cell)

Free Orthopedic Screening for Children

Sandpoint– Panhandle Health District (PHD) will host a free Shriners Hospital screening clinic May 1 from 9 a.m. to noon for children who may need treatment for orthopedic and related problems.

              The Panhandle Shrine Club of Sandpoint is sponsoring the clinic. A doctor from Sandpoint Pediatrics will screen children and identify treatment needs. A Panhandle Health District clinical assistant will offer community resource referrals. Shriners will be available to help families apply for free services at the Shriners Hospital in Spokane.

              All children 18 and younger are eligible. Appointments are necessary and can be made by calling 263-5159. Parents should bring to the clinic their child’s birth certificate, immunization record and custody papers in cases of divorce.

              Orthopedic issues are related to bones and include such problems as scoliosis, dislocated hips, club feet, cerebral palsy and more. The free screening also will include burns, spinal cord injuries and cleft lips and palates.

              The clinic will be held in the conference room at Panhandle Health District, 322 Marion in Sandpoint.

              Shriners International is a philanthropic organization that raises money to support 22 pediatric specialty hospitals. Treatment at Shriners hospitals is available to all children regardless of income.