Huntington Times

The Marshall University Speech and Hearing Center (MUSHC), in collaboration with the Huntington Scottish Rite Foundation, is set to expand its pediatric feeding and swallowing therapy services. This expansion is made possible by a $25,000 grant from Tri-State Doctor’s Care of Cabell County. The funding will support the launch of structured feeding groups and the reinstatement of a multidisciplinary feeding clinic at the center.

For over five decades, the Huntington Scottish Rite Foundation has been instrumental in supporting children's speech and language development across the Tri-State area. The foundation's efforts have provided essential diagnostic and therapeutic services for children facing communication challenges. Its partnership with Marshall University has significantly enhanced speech and hearing services, benefiting numerous families.

Feeding difficulties can affect a child's nutrition, growth, and overall well-being. With backing from Doctor’s Care, MUSHC has established group-based therapy sessions that offer a structured environment for improving children's feeding skills. The return of the multidisciplinary clinic enables specialists such as speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and dietitians to work together on complex feeding disorders.

“We are incredibly grateful for this funding, as it has allowed us to provide more targeted and effective interventions for children facing feeding and swallowing challenges,” said Sarah Clemins, director of the Marshall Speech and Hearing Center. “The ability to offer structured feeding groups and reinstate our multidisciplinary team approach ensures that families in our region have access to high-quality, evidence-based feeding therapy.”

The Huntington Scottish Rite Foundation continues its commitment to enhancing lives through innovative programs aimed at addressing speech, language, and feeding difficulties.

Further information about the foundation's mission or ways to contribute can be found at www.scottishritehuntington.org.