POTTSTOWN — In heartfelt tribute to Diana Smith, a dedicated school nurse who left an outstanding legacy, the Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation, in collaboration with Creative Health Services, is providing Behavioral Health/Registered Nurse Student Loan Assistance. announced its establishment. Fund.
This new initiative aims to support and retain skilled nurses and behavioral health professionals in the Boyertown/Tri-County area during a national behavioral health crisis and health care shortage.
Ms. Smith, who dedicated 20 years to the Boyertown Area School District, was deeply committed to the welfare of her community. Her influence extended beyond the classroom, serving as a Girl Scout leader, Sunday school and youth leader, and volunteering with various local organizations. Her faith-based mission trips and community involvement had a profound impact, especially on the youth she cared about.
In honor of Ms. Smith’s enduring legacy, her family has partnered with the Pottstown Area Health and Welfare Foundation and Creative Health Services to create a scholarship program to ease the financial burden of student loan debt for professionals in the field. Founded. This fund is intended to attract and retain qualified behavioral health workers and certified nurses who are essential to addressing current shortages and improving health outcomes in our communities.
Program details
• Qualifications: Applicants must have a graduate degree in behavioral health or a registered nurse license and have at least $10,000 in student loan debt.
• Prize: A total of $3,000 will be distributed over two years ($1,500 the first time and $1,500 after the first year).
• Commitment: Recipients must commit to working in the Boyertown/Tri-County area for at least two years.
Application schedule: Ends October 30, 2024.
• Notification date: Recipients will be announced by December 1, 2024.
Preference will be given to those working in the Boyertown Area School District and Creative Health Services, including behavioral health counselors, registered nurses, and school nurses.
To apply for the program, please visit https://tinyurl.com/BHRNSLAF.
Anyone interested in contributing to this meaningful effort and helping create a lasting impact can donate at https://tinyurl.com/DSmithDonate.
For assistance or inquiries regarding the program, please contact Sheri Waldman at swaldman@pottstownfoundation.org or call (610) 232-2006 ext. twenty three.
Doug Smith, Princess Diana’s husband, said: “Princess Diana’s greatest contribution was to her students and the young people of Boyertown, where her caring personality had a lasting impact. In honor, our family has established a student loan debt relief program for Boyertown school nurses and behavioral health workers.”
“It was a true honor to work with the Smith family to honor Princess Diana and keep her memory alive,” said Dave Kraybill, President of Pottstown Area Health & Wellness. It is the first foundation of its kind in the region to raise health awareness and provide opportunities for nurse and counselor employees.”
The Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation is a community-based organization dedicated to improving the health and well-being of residents within a 10-mile radius of Pottstown. Through strategic partnerships and grants, the Foundation invests in programs that advance local youth development, health equity, and wellness initiatives. Committed to improving the quality of life in our communities, the foundation also serves as a convener and advocate for sustainable long-term health solutions. For more information, visit www.pottstownfoundation.org.
