Joplin, MO. – Eight area nursing schools received $2,000 checks each – $16,000 total – from Freeman Auxiliary officials during the annual “Nursing School Support Check Presentation” at Freeman Hospital West.

Freeman President and Chief Executive Officer Matt Fry and Freeman Auxiliary President Kay Glendenning handed out checks to representatives from the area nursing schools that consistently graduate talented nurses to Freeman Health System – Carthage Technical College, Crowder College, Fort Scott Community College, Franklin Technology Center, Labette Community College, Missouri Southern State University, Pittsburg State University, and Northeastern Oklahoma A&M.

Throughout the year, Freeman Health System provides student nurses with hands-on experience and behind-the-scenes learning opportunities, working alongside veteran Freeman nurses. Simultaneously, Freeman volunteers raise money for the Auxiliary through Freeman Gift Gallery sales at Freeman West and Freeman Neosho Hospitals, and through various fundraisers held throughout the year.

“Nursing is absolutely critical in the healthcare setting today, and there is no way that we can have functioning hospitals or functioning clinics without strong nursing support,” Fry said, praising Freeman’s partnership with the eight nursing school programs.

In response, nursing school representatives told Fry that nursing applications cycles were “up across the board,” marking a brighter future ahead for nursing.

Freeman Auxiliary has contributed $168,000 directly to area nursing schools since 2012 for their various projects, said Danae Taylor, Freeman’s Volunteer Services & Gift Shop Manager.

“Every day you work diligently to prepare future nurses, not just to treat the illness, but to meet suffering with skill, compassion, and hope,” Taylor said to the nursing school’s representatives. “Because of your dedication to nursing education, you are helping to alleviate suffering in ways that reach far beyond the four walls of the classrooms – you’re reaching into hospital rooms, clinics, homes, and communities.”