By: Ryan Duey
Photos Courtesy of Clay Center Lodge #134
The Clay Center Masonic Lodge #134, in partnership with the University of Kansas Cancer Center, will be offering free health and cancer screenings to the community during the Clay Center Piotique Festival on Saturday, September 27th, at the Clay County Museum. This Outreach Event will run from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Tracy Bloom, Grand Secretary of the Freemasons Grand Lodge of Kansas, and local Lodge member, detailed what screenings will be offered.
“We have partnered with the KU Cancer Research Center at KU Med in Kansas City.”
“They will have a team of doctors and nurses that will come out here that day and do the screenings.”
“The screenings will consist of a prostate cancer screening, skin cancer screening, they will have a take-home colorectal cancer screening kit, tobacco cessation materials, and more.”
These screenings are completely free, and all ages are welcome. No preregistration or insurance is required. Patrons simply visit the museum during the event, and the doctors and nurses will take it from there.
Bloom spoke about what the next steps would be if the doctors felt it was needed.
“If the doctors suspect anything, they will tell you to contact your local physician, and they will also give you contact information for some of the KU Med resources that you can talk to your doctor about.”
“It’s completely up to you whether you go to your doctor and/or go to the KU Med Center; they’re happy to help.”
“The most important thing is early detection. That’s why we’re having this Outreach Event; to catch these things before they get too bad to take care of.”
Bloom said they will not turn anyone away who is lined up before the 11:00 a.m. deadline.
The Kansas Masons, Masonic Cancer Alliance, and Clay Center Lodge #134 worked hard to bring this free Outreach Event to the community, so take the opportunity to get screened while you are out and about enjoying the activities of Piotique.
For more information on this Outreach Event, visit the Clay Center Lodge #134 Facebook page.
