Arab Shriners Offer Free Medical Screenings for Children in Kansas

The Arab Shriners of Topeka, Kansas, are providing free medical screening clinics for children ages 1 to 18 with potential orthopedic or muscular conditions. These clinics aim to connect children with necessary care, regardless of their family’s financial situation.

Free Screening Clinic Details

The Topeka chapter, established in 1932, holds an annual screening clinic where an in-house doctor evaluates children and assists them in accessing treatment. A clinic was held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at the Topeka Arab Shrine Temple, located at 1305 S. Kansas Ave. Appointments were available by calling 785-438-7111, and walk-ins were too welcome.

An additional clinic is scheduled for June in Emporia, Kansas.

Conditions Screened

Shriners Children’s Hospital assists with a variety of pediatric orthopedic conditions, including scoliosis, spine conditions, sports or traumatic injuries, limb deformation, and cerebral palsy.

Accessing Care and Support

Families unable to attend the clinics can reach the Shriners Hospital system directly via phone, with referral nurses available to assist. The phone number can be found on the organization’s website: https://arabshriners.org/. The Shriners also provide transportation assistance, including airfare, gas money, or volunteer drivers, to families needing medical care.

Shriners’ Mission and Philanthropy

According to John Sidwell, a Shriner member and director of public relations at the Topeka Chapter, the organization’s mission is to provide care to as many children as possible, regardless of their ability to pay. “Our goal is to get as many kids as we can into the Shrine system that need help, and get them fixed up, whether they can afford it or not,” Sidwell said.

Olivia Johnson, a two-year Shriners patient and spokesperson, encouraged donations to the organization, stating, “Even if you don’t have any kids, if you want to find a good organization to donate to, this is a wonderful place, and they need it the most.”

About the Arab Shriners

Founded in 1872, Shriners International is a fraternity based on fellowship and Masonic principles. The Arab Shriners chapter in Topeka operates as part of the Shriners International network, which operates 20 Shriners Hospitals for Children, providing care regardless of a family’s ability to pay. The organization can be contacted at (785) 234-5656 or via email at membership@arabshriners.org.