Stuff the ambulance event to collect school and medical supplies

HealthEducation

Aug 20

Holland Hospital and Life EMS Ambulance are teaming up to host the first-ever Stuff the Ambulance event on Tuesday, August 27, at Holland Hospital. The community is invited to donate essential medical and school supplies to benefit Holland Hospital's School Nurse Program and Holland Public Schools students. Donations will be accepted in Visitor Lot 1, at 602 Michigan Ave, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The goal is to collect various items to help support the School Nurse Program, including essential medical supplies such as band-aids, gauze wraps, cotton balls, and more. Additionally, education-related items such as backpacks, pencils, notebooks, crayons, tissues, and hand sanitizer will be accepted to ensure students have the necessary tools to succeed in the classroom and maintain good health.

"We are excited to partner with Life EMS for this unique event," Patti VanDort, CEO, Holland Hospital. "By working together, we can significantly impact the lives of local students while addressing the critical need for School Nurses and the importance of equipping them for a successful school year."

Having a direct impact on students' health 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.

"Life EMS Ambulance is proud to support Holland Hospital and the community in this important initiative," said Mark Meijer, Founder and President, Life EMS Ambulance. "We encourage everyone to come out and help us fill the ambulance with supplies that will make a difference in the lives of many area students."

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 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.

"School Nurses are trusted providers that meet the physical and emotional needs of students," said Hendrina Cupery, Manager of Holland Hospital's School Nurse Program. "They are the bridge between home, school and provider and are often the first medical professional that a student sees. Being entrusted with students' health needs is an honor and one we do not take for granted."

Monetary donations will also be accepted online and onsite, directly benefiting the School Nurse Program. Learn more about the event, supplies being accepted and how to donate at hollandhospital.org/events.