Regis College has received a grant from the Catholic Health Foundation (CHF) of Greater Boston to support a program placing university nursing faculty and students in two Catholic schools to provide comprehensive school health services. The program meets urgent health needs in the schools and offers Regis students critical hands-on experience in school and community health.
Through this initiative, the CHF $10,000 grant funds the placement of school nurses at Lawrence Catholic Academy, Lawrence and Trinity Catholic Academy in Brockton. In addition, Regis provides nurse practitioner (NP) coverage one day each week during the academic year. Since 2016, Regis College’s partnership with CHF has enabled nurse practitioner students to provide vital services to 85 students at Lawrence Catholic and 86 students at Trinity Catholic.
“Regis is proud to partner with the Catholic Health Foundation to extend the reach of our exemplary nursing program into communities where health resources are needed,” said Dr. Sharon Higgins, DNP, NP-C, ONC, WCC, Carol A. Donovan Endowed Dean of Nursing. . “This initiative not only strengthens the health and well-being of students in our partner schools but also provides Regis nurse practitioner students with invaluable training as the next generation of compassionate caregivers.
Faculty and NP students conduct health screenings, deliver health education initiatives, and support student wellness programs. School nurses with the appropriate credentials also precept Regis Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students as part of their community health rotation.
CHF Executive Director Lynne Sullivan stated, “I continue to be deeply impressed with the resourcefulness of these organizations. They are consistently finding new ways to leverage their funds and stretch resources so that they can ensure greater impact and longevity.”
“As Catholics, we are called to serve. And these organizations are doing just that,” said CHF Board President Gavan Mooney. “They are bridging gaps and developing solutions for the serious challenges facing our communities. Their commitment and dedication are second to none and CHF is proud to support their work.”