Annual event has raised $432,400 to provide critical care in 30 local schools
HOLLAND, Mich., Sept. 15, 2026 — More than 13,000 local students rely on Holland Hospital school nurses each year for everything from daily medications and chronic disease management to emergency care and mental health support. Community members can help sustain those services by participating in Holland Hospital's 14th Annual School Nurse Fun Run on Thursday, Oct. 1, at Kollen Park.
Since its inception in 2013, the event has raised over $432,400 to benefit Holland Hospital's School Nurse Program, which serves more than 13,000 students in 30 school buildings across Holland Public Schools, Holland Christian Schools, Black River Public School, Fennville Public Schools, Hamilton Community Schools, West Ottawa Public Schools and Zeeland Christian Schools.
The non-competitive event features a 5K run route and a 1.5-mile walk/run route and welcomes participants of all ages and fitness levels. This year's event will be held at Kollen Park, offering participants a scenic setting for the community event.
“The School Nurse Fun Run is much more than a race,” said Colleen Perdok, fund development coordinator at Holland Hospital. “It is an opportunity for families, businesses, and community members to come together to celebrate and support the important work of school nurses while enjoying a fun community event. Every dollar raised helps school nurses provide care that keeps children healthy, safe, and ready to learn.”
Holland Hospital's School Nurse Program, established in 1998, places registered nurses in schools throughout the region to provide immediate access to healthcare services. In addition to treating everyday illnesses and injuries, school nurses coordinate care for students with chronic health conditions, develop emergency response plans, connect families with resources and support students' physical and emotional well-being.
During the 2025-26 school year, Holland Hospital school nurses:
- Recorded more than 35,000 student office visits
- Administered more than 22,000 medications
- Performed more than 7,000 specialized procedures, including blood glucose monitoring, urinary catheterization and G-tube feedings
- Implemented more than 350 emergency action plans
- Completed more than 500 student referrals for additional support and services
- Logged more than 22,000 interactions with parents and school staff
“School nurses are often the first healthcare providers students turn to for support with their physical and emotional well-being, helping ensure they are healthy, safe, and ready to learn,” said Lindsey Prentice, manager of Holland Hospital’s School Nurse Program. “By partnering with families, schools, and community resources, we help address challenges that can impact a child’s success in the classroom. Supporting student health is a community effort, and we are grateful for everyone who helps make this event a meaningful success.”
The 14th Annual School Nurse Fun Run will take place on Oct. 1, at Kollen Park. Check-in and walk-up registration begin at 5 p.m., with the race starting at 6 p.m.
Students can participate in the School Nurse Fun Run free of charge by committing to a personal health goal, such as improving nutrition habits or starting a new wellness activity. Students should use registration code funrun26 when signing up. Adult registration is $20. To register or learn more, visit hollandhospital.org/schoolnurserun. Those who can’t attend the race but would still like to get involved can donate online.