I know I have shared that this past year we joined an audiology co-operative called Entheos (enthusiasm). I must say it has been one of the very best Hearing Solutions decisions I have ever made. The strategic pillars of the co-op are:

“Being 100% member-owned means that you buy from yourself. The benefits of the organization stay with the members as services and dividends. The governance and ownership is dictated by the members and the member-elected board of directors. As your practice benefits from the strength of the cooperative, you retain peace of mind knowing that you always have a voice.”
“Best Practices lead to the best patient outcomes. When a patient visits an Entheos-member practice, they will know that they are receiving professional and comprehensive care. Entheos members receive industry-specific management consultation and discounts on supplies to support this commitment. Let’s raise the bar for patient care.”
“The give-as-you-go model benefits patients, communities, and the future of hearing health care. The team at Entheos can help you implement a strong, sustainable community-service model that can also benefit your for-profit business. Members support give-as-you-go efforts of members at home and abroad.”

The give-as-you-go supports Hearing the Call. We show our support for Hearing the Call in the following way: when one of our Hearing Solutions family members decided to move forward with their hearing treatment plan, we donate $10 to Hearing the Call. If they match our donation, we will make another $5 donation for a total of $25 in honor of our Hearing Solutions family. Donations are accepted at any type of appointment throughout the year and are greatly appreciated.

Last October I received a phone call, while I was outside working in my yard, from one of the board members Sandy. She was calling to invite me to attend a Hearing the Call humanitarian trip. The Turks and Caicos government had requested a small team to come to the islands to provide audiology services. They were sponsoring the trip and willing to pay for it. I was thrilled to be chosen from over 80 clinics to go. What an honor!

Unfortunately, I was also scheduled to have my hip replaced the following month. The pain was more than I could handle, and I had to turn down that wonderful opportunity. I wasn’t physically able to be helpful to the team. It was a bummer to have to graciously decline. I didn’t know if the opportunity would come again, but I knew I had to say NO.

Well… two weeks ago Sandy called again. The Turks and Caicos government reached out to Entheos again needing a team to come again and take care of the hearing needs of their residents. The trip is scheduled for the first week in May. My new hip and I are ready. The days are long, the work conditions are not the best, but I am pain free and able to get into the trenches and do what is needed for the team and those who need hearing help.

But wait…there’s more. Due to our support of the co-op, I can bring someone with me. For my first trip Jane Walters (one of my team members) is going with me. She is so excited and is getting her passport expedited as you are reading this. We make a great team at home…we will make a great team abroad.

I will let you know how it goes in the June issue of the Senior Savvy. You can follow our journey by liking our Facebook page: Hearing Solutions of North Carolina. Remember to check out our website: www.hearingsolutionsofnc.com. If you would like to join our family, please give Jamie or Diane a call at 704-633-0023. Jane, Cheryl and I would love to have you.