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Local provider says pediatric speech and audiology services reach Washington County children who otherwise lack care
Summary
A speaker representing a speech and audiology service told the board the clinic treats children with nutritional and speech disorders and provides audiology services for more than 100 Washington County children; the speaker said there are no other pediatric audiologists in the lower portion of Southwest Virginia.
An unidentified provider told the Washington County Board of Supervisors on March 25 that the clinic provides speech and audiology services to children and adults from Washington County and the lower portion of Southwest Virginia, saying the county’s funding helps keep those services available.
“We've been able to help those children,” the provider said, describing services for children with nutritional deficiencies and speech disorders. The provider said the clinic also treats adults with dysphagia, a swallowing disorder that can follow neurological injury or stroke.
On audiology, the speaker said the clinic has “provided over a hundred Washington County children with audiology services” and that “we are the only pediatric audiologists in the lower portion of Southwest Virginia.” The provider described how pediatric hearing evaluations can take an hour and a half and may require repeat visits if a young child will not cooperate, and noted the clinic spends unreimbursed time counseling parents about hearing aids and care.
The provider said county funding supports those patients and thanked the board: “So the money that you give us goes to help all of these, patients and we're very appreciative. Thank you.”
The remarks were made during the meeting’s public-comment period and did not request a specific board action in the transcript.
