By Brandi McGrath Kong, Director of Communications & Conferences
 

When Sertoma partnered with Hearing Charities of America earlier this year to create the Amplified Hearing program, it was our goal to help provide new opportunities for our clubs to spread their hearing health missions to local communities. We knew that there were populations out there that were unable or unwilling to acquire and care for hearing aids, and this program allows clubs to provide hearing amplifiers to those who need them most.

It was in this spirit that the Norfolk Sertoma Club in Norfolk, Va., sought to work with a local organization to distribute the amplifiers to dozens of area citizens. The club provided 50 amplifiers with batteries to the Union Mission of Norfolk earlier this spring. Union Mission shared that the donation will allow its organization to better meet its goal of helping unhoused individuals lead healthy, productive lives.

“All of us here at Union Mission thank [the club] for thinking of those without a home and recognizing how they could benefit from the auditory devices,” said Union Mission Donor Relations Officer Cindy Reinhart in an email to the club.

Shelters are just one of the potential partnerships that are available for clubs wishing to engage in the Amplified Hearing program. Hospices, crisis centers, rehab facilities, and emergency relief organizations are all places that may be able to utilize these personal amplifying devices.

Amplifiers are available in sets of six and come with size 13 batteries (as we have them available). The only cost to clubs is shipping: $60 for 6 or $100 for 12. You can learn more about the device features and place your order online at sertoma.org/AmplifiedHearing.