In fall 2025, BBF donated a mobile health clinic van to the Eye & Ear Foundation of Pittsburgh, expanding access to hearing and communication healthcare for underserved communities throughout the region. Operated by audiologists from UPMC and faculty from the University of Pittsburgh, the mobile clinic provides hearing screenings, hearing aid services, and care for speech, language, voice, and swallowing disorders by bringing services directly into neighborhoods where access to care can be limited.

This spring, BBF received an update from the program highlighting the van’s continued impact. During the most recent quarter, the Communication Van visited six community sites, including libraries, community organizations, faith-based partners, and the Special Olympics. In total, the clinic provided 105 patient visits, serving 76 individual patients while delivering more than $56,000 in hearing healthcare services.

Care Beyond the First Visit

The Communication Van is designed to provide more than a one-time screening. Recognizing that successful hearing treatment depends on continued support, the team regularly returns to community partners to provide follow-up appointments, hearing aid adjustments, and ongoing care.

Research has shown that access to follow-up services plays an important role in helping patients successfully use hearing aids over time. For patients who cannot access the Communication Van in the future, the clinical team also provides referrals to local hearing care resources within their communities, helping connect patients with continued services when needed. This commitment to continuity of care allows patients to build relationships with providers while reducing barriers that often prevent people from receiving ongoing treatment.

Meeting Communities Where They Are

Throughout the quarter, the Communication Van brought hearing services directly to neighborhoods across the Pittsburgh area, including:
Human Services Center of Mon Valley
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – Beechview
Roots of Faith in Sharpsburg
Hazelwood Community Engagement Center
Special Olympics

Patient Voices

The impact of the Communication Van is reflected in the experiences of those it serves.

“God Bless all of you. I’ve significantly noticed a reduction in my tinnitus, which has given me a better quality of life.” — Patient
“What a valuable service this is to our community.” — Community Partner

Looking Ahead

With additional community partnerships already in place, the Communication Van has an active schedule planned throughout the summer and fall. Upcoming clinics will return to established partner locations,  while continuing to bring hearing care directly into neighborhoods where access to traditional healthcare services can be limited.

As the program expands, BBF’s support continues to help remove barriers to hearing healthcare by making quality services available closer to home. Every clinic represents another opportunity for individuals and families to receive evaluations, hearing aids, follow-up care, and referrals that can improve communication, independence, and quality of life.

April – May Numbers:

• 105 patient visits
• 76 individual patients served
• 6 community clinic locations
• 73 hearing evaluations
• 57 hearing aids provided
• 29 hearing aid fittings