GREENSBURG – The Psi Iota Xi sorority was founded in 1897 by women joining together with the intent of making a difference in their respective communities. Originally the focus centered around bringing new cultural experiences to the cities and towns through collective funding for music and art events. This mission expanded to include literature and literacy, and further graduated to helping those with speech and hearing difficulties.
Today, Psi Iota Xi sororities throughout the nation have given nearly a million dollars a year for these purposes, and our local Sigma Chapter is making sure their impact is felt locally. At the sorority’s annual meeting on June 6, the ladies presented a check for $5,700 to the Hospital Foundation of Decatur County, to be used help fund this summer’s Speech Articulation Camp and for the purchase of a new OAE Hearing screening unit.
The Speech Articulation Camp is offered through the Rehab Department at Decatur County Memorial Hospital, and will begin July 12. It will be held from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays for three weeks, offering articulation practice to enhance a child’s speech skills, as well as snacks and crafts. DCMH Rehab Services Director Lisa Oldham explained the importance of the Sigma Chapter’s support: “Thanks to Psi Iota Xi’s generous donation, the Speech Department at DCMH will be able to extend speech services to many children who may not be able to access these services, and to continue services during the summer for those receiving speech therapy during the school year.”
The camp carries no cost to the parents due to the donation, and those interested in enrolling their children can contact the DCMH Speech Language Pathologist at (812) 663-1119.
The OAE Hearing unit will be used to help screen for hearing loss in newborns. In this test, sounds are played for the child through a miniature earphone and microphone placed in the ear. The device then measures the echo experienced in the ear canal accordingly. This procedure uses sounds that are associated with speech comprehension among others, and can help determine early hearing loss. Doctors can then help diagnose the issue and treat it at an early stage.
“This is a great group truly bettering their community, now and for the future,” shared Foundation Director Bryan Robbins, “100 percent of this and any donation that goes to the Hospital Foundation stays locally, and we’re honored to have the Sigma Chapter’s support providing kids free access to the Speech Camp, and to better addressing potential hearing loss in children born at DCMH.” Robbins explained that the funds will be placed in a restricted fund accessible by the Rehab Department for the intended uses only. Those wanting more information about restricted fund options or the Hospital Foundation may find details at www.dcmh.net/foundation or by calling the Hospital Foundation at (812) 663-1220.
Psi Iota Xi’s purpose is for members to find self-direction and personal growth while seeking to enrich the lives of others by furthering philanthropic enterprises. Ladies interested in joining a network of friends dedicated to helping those in our community whether culturally, educationally, socially or financially are encouraged to contact Kim Crawley at 812-614-0753. The Sigma Chapter meets at 7 p.m. on the first Monday of the month September through June. The locations of the meetings may vary.