HAYS -– McPherson will be among three locations at which Fort Hays State University will offer free hearing screenings in the near future.
The screenings are funded by the Kansas Masons, according to information from FHSU. The other upcoming locations are Garden City and Sharon Springs.
The McPherson screening, sponsored by McPherson Masonic Lodge No. 172, will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 28, at McPherson Lodge No. 172, 311 South Main Street.
“The FHSU Herndon Clinic in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders is very fortunate to have received a large grant from the Kansas Masons to support adult speech, language and hearing services in western Kansas,” said Marcy Beougher, speech-language pathologist and an instructor in the department.
The grant continues to provide numerous opportunities for individuals of all ages in western Kansas to receive important health screening services that are currently scarce or difficult to access.
“We are in the second semester of our fourth year of free hearing screenings sponsored by the Kansas Masonic grant,” said Beougher. “Our graduates have screened over 750 people in 21 central and western Kansas communities.”
“It is a valuable service with an average of over 60 percent referrals for medical and audiological needs. Our graduate students have also benefitted greatly from this program. Over 80 students have participated to date, each gaining valuable clinical hours necessary for graduation,” she said.
Scheduling appointments is encouraged, but walk-ins will be welcomed on a first-come, first-served basis. Each site will have four stations, with each screening lasting approximately 15 minutes. Results, follow-up information, and earplugs will also be provided. There will be no hearing aid sales.
Screenings are provided by graduate students from the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. Beougher will organize the screenings.
“We are incredibly thankful for the financial support from the Kansas Masonic Foundation, which has helped us take this important free service to individuals in numerous locations in Kansas,” said Beougher.
“The Masons at every lodge we have visited have been so accommodating and eager to do anything they could to help us promote and set up these clinics,” she added.
To schedule an appointment for the McPherson screening, contact Patrick Carr at 479-549-5058 or [email protected].