POTTSTOWN — In a heartfelt tribute to Diana Smith, a devoted school nurse with a remarkable legacy of service, the Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation, in collaboration with Creative Health Services, has announced the establishment of the Behavioral Health/Registered Nurse Student Loan Assistance Fund.
This new initiative is designed to support and retain skilled nurses and behavioral health professionals in the Boyertown/Tri-County area amid a national behavioral health crisis and healthcare shortage.
Smith, who dedicated 20 years to the Boyertown Area School District, was deeply committed to the well-being of her community. Her influence extended beyond the classroom as she served as a Girl Scout leader, Sunday School, and Youth Leader, volunteering with various local organizations. Her faith-driven mission trips and community involvement made a significant impact, especially on the youth she cherished.
In honor of Smith’s enduring legacy, her family has partnered with the Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation and Creative Health Services to create the scholarship program, which will alleviate the financial burden of student loan debt for professionals in the field. The fund aims to attract and retain qualified behavioral health workers and registered nurses who are vital to addressing the current shortages and improving the community’s health outcomes.
Program Details
• Eligibility: Applicants must hold a graduate degree in behavioral health or be credentialed as a registered nurse, with a minimum of $10,000 in student loan debt.
• Award: A total of $3,000 over two years ($1,500 awarded initially and $1,500 after one year) will be distributed.
• Commitment: Recipients must commit to working in the Boyertown/Tri-County area for at least two years.
Application Timeline: Closes 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 roles such as Behavioral Health Counselor, Registered Nurse, and School Nurse.
To apply for the program, visit https://tinyurl.com/BHRNSLAF.
For anyone interested in contributing to this meaningful initiative, and would like to help create a lasting impact, donations can be made at https://tinyurl.com/DSmithDonate.
For assistance or inquiries about the program, contact Sheri Waldman at [email protected] or call (610) 232-2006 Ext. 23.
Doug Smith, Diana’s husband, said, “Diana’s greatest commitment was to her students and the youth in Boyertown, where her caring nature made a lasting impact. In honor of Diana’s legacy, our family has established a student loan debt relief program for school nurses and behavioral health workers in the Boyertown Schools.”
Dave Kraybill, president of Pottstown Area Health & Wellness, added, “It has truly been a privilege to work with the Smith Family to honor Diana and to keep her memory alive. This is the first fund of its kind in our region to bring awareness to behavioral health, as well as provide opportunities for our nursing and counselor workforce.”
The Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation is a community-focused organization dedicated to improving the health and well-being of residents within a 10-mile radius of Pottstown. Through strategic partnerships and grantmaking, the Foundation invests in programs that promote youth development, health equity, and wellness initiatives in the region. Committed to enhancing the quality of life in the community, the Foundation also serves as a convener and advocate for sustainable, long-term health solutions. For more information, visit www.pottstownfoundation.org.
