The West Virginia University School of Nursing is expanding its Faith Community Nursing program into Lewis, Randolph, Upshur and Webster counties, thanks to generous funding from the Pallottine Foundation of Buckhannon.
Faith Community Nursing, which blends clinical expertise with spiritual care and community engagement, is part of a broader effort to strengthen community-based health care across rural West Virginia. These nurses work within churches, community centers, and other local organizations to provide health education, spiritual support, and connections to vital health and social services.
With Pallottine Foundation of Buckhannon’s support, nurses in these newly added counties can receive full scholarships for the all-online, 8-week Faith Community Nursing program. The next course will begin Sept. 15, 2025.
“Faith Community Nurses provide a bridge to health for community members in rural areas who have limited access to providers, transportation, screenings, and health education,” said Laura Boone, Executive Director of the Pallottine Foundation of Buckhannon. “We partnered with WVU’s School of Nursing two years ago to introduce the program in Barbour and Randolph counties, and we are excited to help provide the same opportunity in the other counties we serve.”
“This program is about empowering nurses to serve as compassionate leaders in their communities,” said Dr. Angel Smothers, Associate Dean for Community Engagement and Director of the Faith Community Nursing Program. “With the support of the Pallottine Foundation of Buckhannon, we are helping nurses bring hope and healing to places where health care resources are often limited.”
The program offers specialized training, mentorship, and ongoing support to nurses, helping them address health disparities and promote wellness in underserved regions. This expansion reflects WVU’s mission to serve the state through compassionate, community-rooted care.
To learn more, visit the WVU School of Nursing’s Faith Community Nursing website or contact Dr. Smothers at asmothers@hsc.wvu.edu.
Donations like the ones from the Pallottine Foundation of Buckhannon are awarded via the WVU Foundation, the nonprofit organization that receives and administers private donations on behalf of the University.
If you are interested in making a donation to this or any other program at the WVU School of Nursing, please contact Dr. Kimberly Colebank, Development Director, at kcolebank@wvuf.org or 304-554-0237.
