The late Florence Booker Rawleigh claimed that working for the Frontier Nursing Service (FNS) as a Courier was the most interesting thing she did in her 95 years of life. Florence was asked to serve as a Courier during a flu outbreak 1942. During the epidemic, many prominent families in the area were asked to send their children to volunteer with FNS to tend to those ill from the flu in rural and underserved Appalachia. “They would call and say they need you desperately, ” said Florence. … [Read more...]
Courier Spotlight: Wendy Parker-Wood
When Wendy Parker-Wood’s family visited the Big House at the Frontier Nursing Service (FNS) grounds, Wendy knew it was a place she wanted to be. The then 12-year-old Wendy was fascinated by the stories her mother told of volunteering as a Christmas secretary at FNS in the 1930s, and she felt a strong connection to the work the Couriers did there. In her senior year of high school in 1966, Wendy traveled to Wendover to participate in the Courier Program. She rode horses, grocery shopped for … [Read more...]
Courier Spotlight: Joan Todd
Joan Todd decided to become a Courier in 1953 through the influence of two women well-connected with Frontier Nursing Service (FNS). Joan’s grandmother had befriended Mary Breckinridge in college, and her mother had served as a Courier in her younger years. Although she was hesitant, Joan traveled to Wendover in 1953 to take part in the program. Joan served in many roles as a Courier, such as organizing medications, removing the expired medications and stocking new shipments. She also … [Read more...]
FNU’s 2017 Year in Review
It’s hard to believe 2017 is almost in the books! It was an exciting year for the Frontier Nursing University (FNU) community. Take a look at some of our highlights below and be sure to watch our "2017 FNU Year in Review" video at the bottom of the post: Technology and Innovation FNU Launches New Innovation Center Take the Classroom Anywhere with the Frontier Digital Depot Celebrating 10 Years of Bridging into the Future FNU Launches New Website Diversity and Inclusion Frontier Nursing … [Read more...]
Courier Spotlight: Celeste Lindahl Halcomb, PA
Celeste Halcomb, PA first found out about the Courier Program at Frontier Nursing University (FNU) through her health professions advisor while attending Allegheny College in Pennsylvania. She had an interest in rural medicine and working in an underserved area, ideas consistent with the values and opportunities that the Courier Program offered. With a desire to form partnerships between medical providers and the community, Celeste started the program in the summer of 2004. During her time in … [Read more...]
Courier Spotlight: Jill Davenport
Jill Davenport served as a Courier for Frontier Nursing Service (FNS) from 1966 through 1967 in order to gain a sense of direction for her life. When Jill and her best friend, who both lived in Louisville, Ky., at the time, heard of FNS by word of mouth, the two jumped at the opportunity to ride horses and help people in the mountains. According to Jill, she felt like a “lost soul” at school, unsure of the path she would take with her life. Her hope was that a stint in the Courier Program … [Read more...]
Courier Spotlight: Carolyn Gregory
While she was growing up, Carolyn Gregory’s parents always encouraged her to seek new and meaningful experiences, which led her to Frontier Nursing Service (FNS) in 1947. Carolyn enjoyed her time as a Courier so much that she decided to remain at Frontier as the FNS Christmas Secretary and as an assistant to Agnes Lewis and Betty Lester in 1948. “I truly enjoyed the spirit of the organization and what I was doing to help their cause,” said Carolyn. During her time with FNS, she was … [Read more...]
2017 Couriers Leave a Lasting Impact in the Communities They Served
The 2017 Courier Program is coming to an end! While they were only here for a mere 8 weeks, the Couriers were able to accomplish and experience many things! Couriers spent an average of 35-40 hours a week at their clinical sites and community partners. Spanning across Leslie, Perry, and Clay Counties in Kentucky and Wise County, Virginia, Couriers worked with 12 organizations! Prior to starting their experiences, seven Couriers had the opportunity to attend FNU’s annual Diversity Impact. They … [Read more...]
