Huntington Times

The Marshall University Speech and Hearing Center (MUSHC) has removed its waitlist for pediatric feeding therapy services. This development was made possible by the Huntington Scottish Rite Foundation and a $50,000 grant from the Benedum Foundation. The funding allowed MUSHC to hire part-time speech-language pathologists to address the needs of children with feeding and swallowing disorders.

For over two decades, the Huntington Scottish Rite Foundation has supported children's speech and language development in the Tri-State area. Its collaboration with Marshall University has improved speech and hearing services for many families.

Long waits for feeding therapy can significantly impact a child's ability to eat, drink, and grow. With support from the Benedum Foundation, MUSHC now offers immediate access to treatment for all children needing feeding therapy.

“This grant has been transformative for our clinic and the families we serve,” said Pam Holland, chair of the Communication Disorders Department and feeding clinician. “By bringing on additional speech-language pathologists, we’ve been able to remove every child from our waitlist and provide them with the specialized care they need without delay.”

The Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation supports communities in West Virginia and southwestern Pennsylvania through grants focused on education, economic development, health, and community well-being. Their investment in initiatives like pediatric feeding therapy at MUSHC enhances access to essential services.

Further information about the Huntington Scottish Rite Foundation is available at www.scottishritehuntington.org.