Greensburg, IN — March 30, 2026 — The Hospital Foundation of Decatur County (Foundation) has fulfilled a Decatur County Memorial Hospital (DCMH) Rehabilitation Department Grant to support the purchase of the Butterfly iQ3, expanding therapeutic resources available to patients.
The Butterfly iQ3 is a handheld ultrasound device that connects to a compatible smartphone or tablet to provide real-time imaging at the point of care. In speech-language therapy, the technology is especially valuable because it allows clinicians and patients to visualize tongue movement and placement inside the mouth. These movements cannot be seen externally. Precise positioning can be difficult to explain and understand without this visual support.
“The Butterfly iQ3 has been a helpful tool for teaching patients the anatomy and movement of the tongue during speech therapy,” said Olivia Wilmer, Speech-Language Pathologist at DCMH. “Many speech sounds depend on precise tongue placement that patients cannot usually see. This technology allows us to visualize those movements together, which helps patients clearly understand what adjustments are needed to form specific sounds, including challenging ones like the ‘R’ sound. Being able to see tongue positioning in real time makes it easier to identify what movements are working well and what changes will help them progress.”
This capability supports patients working toward goals related to articulation, apraxia, dysphagia, and dysarthria by enhancing understanding during therapy sessions.
“This gives us a level of precision we didn’t have before,” said Heather Riga, Speech-Language Pathologist at DCMH. “It helps us tailor our approach in a way that supports each patient more effectively.”
Foundation leaders had the opportunity to observe the technology during a recent session.
“It’s meaningful to see community generosity directly support the specialized care provided at DCMH,” said Mandy Lohrum, Foundation Director. “Through department grants like this, the Foundation is able to invest in our clinical teams, enhance specialty services, and improve the experience for patients and families we serve.”
The fulfillment of this grant demonstrates the impact of local donors who believe in investing in the health of their community. Through their generosity, the Foundation continues to support initiatives that improve patient care and equip care teams with meaningful resources that strengthen services in the community.
For more information about the Hospital Foundation of Decatur County or to learn how to support future department grants, please visit dcmh.net/foundation or call 812-663-1220.
Photo L to R: Olivia Wilmer and Milo Frazier
