5k and Walk for Kids and Families to Benefit School Nurse Program
HOLLAND, Mich., Sept. 21, 2023 — Kids and families from the Holland area are lacing up their running shoes for Holland Hospital’s 11th Annual School Nurse Fun Run with all proceeds benefiting the hospital’s School Nurse Program, which has raised nearly $300,000 since 2013.
Having a direct impact on the health of students across Lakeshore communities, the School Nurse Program provides onsite medical support, including prevention, chronic disease management, and referrals. From daily medication administration to treating playground bumps and bruises, the school nurses care for the physical, emotional, and social needs of over 13,000 students.
“The School Nurse Fun Run is a great way for families to get active together and aims to remove any intimidation that a 5K might bring,” said Colleen Perdok, fund development coordinator at Holland Hospital. “Students make a goal to improve their health that we hope they will keep, and the event supports the program and brings awareness to the vital role school nurses play in our schools.”
Established in 1998, Holland Hospital’s School Nurse program has worked to improve the health and well-being of students K-12 in 29 schools within the greater Holland area, including Holland Public Schools, West Ottawa, Hamilton, Holland Christian, Fennville, and Zeeland Christian. During the 22-23 school year, Holland Hospital’s school nurses had over 39,000 encounters with students, administered 21,852 medications, and performed 5,086 procedures such as urine catheterization, blood glucose monitoring, and g-tube feedings.
Students can enter the School Nurse Fun Run for free by committing themselves to improving their health, with options including changing their eating habits or starting a wellness activity. Use code: funrun23 to take advantage of the free entry. Children 12-years-old or younger must be accompanied by an adult.
For those who can’t make it in person on September 28, Holland Hospital is offering a virtual option! Families can participate from afar by sharing photos on the School Nurse Fun Run Facebook that showcase running or walking around their neighborhoods anytime between Sept. 28 and Oct. 8.
For more information about the School Nurse Fun Run, visit hollandhospital.org/schoolnurserun. Registration is now open, and adults pay only $10.