As the Valley Children's Hospital opens up, the question arises as to what other kinds of services for children potentially could be offered in Modesto. What could Modesto do to ensure that children with orthopedic diseases and injuries could be provided services, as well as children with cleft palates, burns, and spinal cord injuries? Could Modesto see to it that such services are provided to children regardless of ability to pay?
A Shriner's Hospital for Modesto
As many readers already know, there is a hospital that can provide such services, and for free to the parents of children who cannot afford to pay for them or who lack adequate health insurance. It is called Shriner's Hospital and it is run by the 149 year old Shriner's International. The closest Shriner's Hospital to Modesto is in Sacramento and that is fine for children in Northern California from Stockton to the Oregon border.
But how about Central California, from Modesto to Visalia? Shouldn't children from this area have a Shriner's Hospital of their own? Shouldn't the children of Central California be able to seek services in a city that is much closer to their local area?
What could the City Council, the Chamber of Commerce and the Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors do to entice Shriner's International to build a hospital in Modesto?
Of course, if Modesto is going to request that Shriner's International build a hospital in Modesto, it is going to have to demonstrate that funds can be raised for the project. Funds can be raised in a variety of ways: concerts, Executive dinners, the internet, auctions, radio and television advertising, art shows, car shows, etc.. Also, benefactors can be contacted, including major local employers and manufacturers.
Of course, it goes without saying that Modesto would not have to raise all of the money for the construction of a Shriner's Hospital in Modesto. But if Modesto were to take the initiative and demonstrate that sizable amounts of money can be raised for the project, Shriner's International most likely would be agreeable to building a hospital here. With that in mind, this commentator is suggesting that the City get started on the fund raising project right away to demonstrate that money can be raised for the construction of the hospital.
To this observer, it appears that Modesto's future entails being a Central California gem in the middle of the state. By virtue of its location in the center of the state, Modesto should be someplace very special, and it should stand out. And it should have a Shriner's Hospital.
Other cities like Stockton and Sacramento are special because of their proximity to major waterways. But Modesto is special too by virtue of its location. As this commentator has stated before, Modesto very desperately needs to attract airline service as well. It is not that difficult to envision that once Modesto again has reliable airline service, that it will be in a position to attract major medical facilities like Shriner's Hospital or even a University of California (UC) Medical Center.
This dream is possible and it is within our reach. We simply need some high-spirited, motivated and committed Modestans to work diligently to bring it to fruition. Do you have any spare time on your hands? Go Shriner's!
