Katherine Leone, Grants and Quality Assurance Manager, CHC-FL
The Center for Hearing and Communication (CHC) launched Project PATH (Preschool Access to Hearing) 20 years ago at our headquarters in New York City. Since its inception, CHC has screened more than 50,000 children, with a consistent hearing screening failure rate of 10-15%.
Recognizing the significance of this program, Dr. Tracy Perez, Regional Executive Director of the Broward County, Florida office, drove efforts to bring the program to local preschools in South Florida. In April 2024, Dr. Perez and her team, having secured nearly $270,000 in private foundation funding, launched South Florida’s Project PATH+.
Early Intervention is Crucial
Early intervention for detecting hearing loss is crucial, and as Dr. Perez explained, “Our New York office has proven that this is a vital program. When I see the gap that exists for children in those early years, I say we have to do better!”
In less than a year, more than 300 children ages 4-8 received free hearing screenings at their preschools, thanks to CHC-FL’s audiologist Dr. Magdaris Santiago-McQuaid (aka Dr. Maggie) and Patient Care Coordinator Melanie Pagan. Nearly 10% of these children failed both the initial and follow-up screenings, and they have either received free follow-up services at CHC’s office or been referred to their pediatricians or ENTs, as well as connected to community resources.
A Commitment to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
When CHC opened its Fort Lauderdale satellite office in 1981, we envisioned the impact we wanted to make. Today, the CHC-FL office has exceeded its expectations, supporting more than 1,500 Deaf or Hard of Hearing individuals from Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties each year.
Inquire About Services for All Ages
The ASL-skilled staff have extensive experience working with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. In addition to audiology, CHC-FL provides essential resources including case management, mental health counseling, behavioral health services, sign language classes, after-school and summer camp programs, and workforce support.
If you or someone you know could benefit from our programs please contact us today!
About the Author
Kathy Leone joined the Center for Hearing and Communication in Florida (CHC-FL) in March 2022, bringing more than 20 years of nonprofit experience serving South Florida. In her position, Kathy is responsible for ensuring fiscal and programmatic integrity for CHC-FL services. Kathy has dedicated her life to helping others and has been volunteering since age 9. Throughout her lifetime, she has focused efforts to help children and families in need, veterans and seniors, among others. She is excited to be serving the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community.