PHOTOS PROVIDED / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
APPRECIATION GIFT … Speech-Language Pathologist Jennifer Witte, center, was guest speaker at the Parkview-Montpelier Hospital Auxiliary luncheon meeting held Monday, March 9th. Her topic was “It’s More Than Just Talk”. Shown with her at left is Gloria Poorman, auxiliary past president, and at right, Auxiliary President Elaine Willibey, who presented Jennifer with an appreciation gift on behalf of the auxiliary.
DONATION … Recently Parkview-Montpelier Hospital Auxiliary donated a new CD player for the hospital’s patient activities center. Shown making the presentation are Linda Dilworth, Auxiliary Jr. Past President, left, and Tammy Wright, Activities Director for patients, at right.
GUEST SPEAKER
Jennifer Witte, certified speech-language pathologist (SLP) at Parkview-Bryan Hospital, served as guest speaker Monday, March 9, at Parkview-Montpelier Hospital Auxiliary’s noon soup and salad luncheon meeting in the hospital’s conference room.
Auxiliary President Elaine Willibey welcomed everyone including two guests. Following grace by Past President Armeda Sawmiller, all enjoyed the buffet potluck.
After the luncheon, President Elaine called the meeting to order and introduced the speaker for the program titled “It’s More Than Just Talk.”
Ms. Witte has been a local hospital staff member since 2001, has a required master’s degree and is currently the rehab therapy supervisor for Parkview-Bryan and Montpelier Hospitals. There are presently two full-time SLPs on staff.
ABOUT SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY
Speech-language pathologists provide “evidence-based” therapy for patients of all ages to improve difficulties with speech production, language development, stuttering, feeding disorders, swallowing, and cognition addressing memory, thinking and problem-solving issues.
An SLP evaluates the patient and determines a plan of care to provide therapy to teach skills not yet developed or rehabilitate skills lost following injury or illness.
Pediatric patients needing speech therapy are primarily seen with an SLP at Bryan Hospital.
Recently, Parkview has added limited availability of outpatient pediatric speech therapy at Montpelier Hospital in the Dilworth Center. Speech therapy helps children produce speech sounds correctly and put sentences together.
During the COVID pandemic, many kids were not exposed to peers at school and daycare. As a result, speech and language skills were delayed and many children were referred to SLPs for help.
Feeding problems needing treatment were more frequent following COVID. Autistic patients also needed help with social skills.
SLPs also provide treatment for voice disorders including problems caused by nodules forming on vocal cords.
Swallowing problems (dysphagia “dis-FAY-juh”) may include difficulty in moving foods and liquids in the mouth and through the throat.
If swallowing difficulties result in food and liquids entering the airway (“going down the wrong way” or “down the wrong pipe”) called “aspiration,” this may lead to choking, obstruction of breathing, and possible pneumonia from bacteria forming in the lungs.
If a patient cannot swallow safely, a feeding tube may need to be inserted through the nose or stomach. An SLP may use electrodes to stimulate and strengthen throat muscles in order to improve swallowing and reduce risks of aspiration.
Physical and occupational therapists treating patients may recognize the need for referral to an SLP who can provide assistance with certain issues. Family members and co-workers need to be aware of signs that someone may need SLP therapy.
SLP therapy sessions are provided during inpatient admissions and as outpatient therapy at both Bryan and Montpelier Hospitals.
Ms. Witte described outpatient therapy for LSVT LOUD (speech therapy for patients with Parkinson’s Disease to help patients improve their voices and speech clarity). Listening to patients about their issues is a top priority for speech-language pathologists.
The auxiliary thanks SLP Witte for her program and presented her with an appreciation gift. More information is available by contacting her at Parkview-Bryan Hospital.
BUSINESS MEETING
President Elaine then conducted the business meeting leading all in the auxiliary prayer. Thought for the day was “The cure for anything is salt water: sweat, tears, or the sea” by Isak Dinesen.
Roll call was answered by 19 members and guests to “Do you like shamrocks or 4-leaf clovers and why?” Vice President Lynn Watson was thanked for St. Patrick’s Day decorations for the luncheon.
Reports were shared by Secretary Connie Dunseth, Treasurer Joyce Schelling and Historian Ruth Cooley. Linda Thornton volunteered to do patient favors for March and Linda Dilworth has charge for April.
The Nominating Committee will submit the slate for officers at the April meeting to be elected in May. Any member wishing to submit her name for an office should contact Armeda Sawmiller or Jill Beck.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Plans were discussed for the auxiliary’s entry for the “America 250” Bean Days Parade on Saturday, July 18 at 6 p.m. beginning at the county fairgrounds with lineup at 5 p.m. Volunteers from the auxiliary are needed for riders and walkers.
Jr. Past President Linda Dilworth serves as chairman for the auxiliary’s Silent Auction scheduled Monday, March 30 from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. in the hospital’s large conference room.
A signup sheet was passed for workers needed for four 3-hour shifts starting at 8:30 a.m. Winners with high bids will be notified by phone for pickup and payment on Tuesday, March 31.
Auxiliary members wishing to donate items for the auction should contact Linda Dilworth (ph: 419-490-6964) as soon as possible.
The auxiliary encourages all to help celebrate Doctors’ Day on March 30. Flyers are posted at various locations in the hospital.
The auxiliary purchased and donated a new CD player with cassette and radio to the hospital activities department for patients to enjoy.
Auxiliary Liaison Sara Dye, Parkview-Bryan Hospital, reminded everyone of the “Wellness at the Amp” Health Fair scheduled May 2, open to the public, at the Bryan Amphitheater.
The next general meeting of the auxiliary will be held Monday, April 13 at 1 p.m. in the hospital conference room. Guest speaker will be Tim Whetro, advisor for Whetro Financial.
Roll call is “Have you ever planted a garden and what is your favorite thing to grow?” Nominations for officers for the 2026-27 year starting in July will be announced.