Families in the region will soon have access to free orthopedic assessments for children, thanks to a partnership between several local Elks Lodges and the Illinois Elks Children’s Care Corporation. The clinic will take place on Thursday, March 5, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, at the Neuromuscular Orthopedic Institute office of Dr. Alan Froehling, located at 302 Broadway Street in Mount Vernon.
The clinic is offered at no cost and is open to all children by appointment only. Parents or guardians interested in scheduling an assessment are encouraged to call the Illinois Elks Children’s Care office at 1-800-272-0074, Monday through Friday between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM.
Medical referrals are not required, but physicians and school nurses are welcome to refer patients or families who may benefit from a specialized orthopedic evaluation or second opinion. The clinic is an ideal opportunity for children to be reviewed for bone and joint development concerns.
Sponsoring lodges include Mount Vernon Elks 819, Centralia Elks 493, Fairfield Elks 1631, Salem Elks 1678, and McLeansboro Elks 1882. Organizers emphasize that all services at the clinic are completely free of charge.
For more information or to make an appointment, call 1-800-272-0074.