Piedmont University’s nursing department hosts a 5k every year at Piedmont called Piedmont Goes Red. It’s a fun 5k for people to run around the campus in support of the nursing students at Piedmont.
This year’s 5K was to celebrate the anniversary of the R.H. Daniel School of Nursing by running for a cause. This cause is running red for the American Heart Month in February.
Proceeds from this race will help fund a Nursing Student Success Fund. The fund will help nursing students pay for the ability to be a part of the nursing program, purchasing textbooks and other necessities they might need.
Haley Barnett, a nursing professor at Piedmont University, said this year’s 5K was very successful. “After last year’s success, we plan to make this an annual event,” said Barnett. “We are now using the event to raise money to help nursing students with the extra fees associated with nursing school. We are also excited about getting the word out to people that Piedmont University is here and has so much to offer!”.
The nursing program hopes to use these funds so that nursing students who may struggle with financial needs can be provided for. Then nursing students can focus on coursework and studies.
The nursing program is hopeful the 5K will be impactful for health care and nurses due to a shortage of nurses in the workforce. Piedmont nursing intends to grow their program through opportunities like the 5k.
Participants came from both the Athens and Demorest campuses to support the 5K. There were over 100 runners at the 5K, including 10 virtual runners joining in as well.
“We had students running the race and volunteering at different stations,” said Barnett. “Nursing students from Athens and Demorest campuses ran in the race, and a group of Lady Lions soccer players also came out to run, with many Piedmont students taking home medals! The race grew from last year, with many racers this year telling me they enjoyed it.”
Next year’s 5k is set to promote Heart Disease awareness along with the nursing program.
