Oregon began mandating hearing tests for newborns in July 2000, but SCMC was ahead of the game. Since 1999, St. Charles has been screening all newborns for hearing problems. That fact proved infinitely helpful to the Fitzgerald family of Bend. When daughter Keely was born in September 1999, she was diagnosed with a mild to moderate hearing loss. Armed with this knowledge, the family has been able to take early steps to cope with the impairment.
Later testing can affect social development skills.
Keely's mother, Mandy Fitzgerald, said she is grateful not only for the screening, but for the home visits from an SCMC Home Health nurse following Keely's birth. Thanks to Project Stepping Stones, more children like Keely will benefit in the future.