Hospital to host 5k fun run and walk

Health

Sep 16

Kids and families from the Holland area are lacing up their running shoes for Holland Hospital's 12th annual School Nurse Fun Run on September 19. The event takes place at Holland West Elementary, 500 W 24th St. in Holland. Check-in and registration open at 5 p.m., with the race beginning at 6 p.m. All proceeds will benefit the hospital's School Nurse Program. Since 2023, the event has raised nearly $345,000.

The Holland Hospital School Nurse Program offers vital onsite medical support to students throughout Lakeshore communities, focusing on prevention, chronic disease management, and referrals. School nurses provide services, from daily medication administration to treating minor injuries, and addressing the physical, emotional, and social well-being of over 13,000 students. The program has a crucial role in promoting the health and well-being of the lakeshore's youth.

"The School Nurse Fun Run is a family-friendly event designed to make the 5K experience accessible and enjoyable for everyone," said Colleen Perdok, Fund Development Coordinator, Holland Hospital. "We hope that by participating, students will be inspired to adopt healthier habits and that the event will raise awareness of the invaluable contributions school nurses make to students in our community."

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. During the 2023-24 school year, Holland Hospital's school nurses had over 40,000 encounters with students, administered 24,000 medications, and performed 5,800 procedures such as urine catheterization, blood glucose monitoring, and g-tube feedings.

Students can enter the Fun Run for free by making a goal to improve their health, with options including changing their eating habits or starting a wellness activity. Use code funrun24 to take advantage of the free entry. Adults pay only $10. An adult must accompany children 12 years old or younger.

For more information about the School Nurse Fun Run, visit hollandhospital.org/schoolnurserun.