By HMG
Holston Medical Group (HMG) has partnered with the family of Hannah Grace Harrison and the Daniel Boone High School Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) Club to create Hannah’s Grace, a program dedicated to supporting those interested in becoming a nurse to fulfill their dreams.
Hannah Harrison was a Senior at Daniel Boone High School, a patient of HMG, and was on track to graduate and start nursing school to become a labor and delivery nurse. She was an active member of her school’s HOSA organization. In her Junior year, Hannah participated in the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) class and passed her exam to become a certified CNA. With the support of her club through the application and interview process, she had recently been accepted into the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) class for her Senior year and was preparing to begin the program in the fall.
On Tues., Sept. 6, 2022, the day she was to begin her clinicals, Hannah unexpectedly passed away at only 18 years of age.
“Our world has forever changed,” stated Michelle Turner, Hannah’s mother. “After some time, and through my shattered heart, I wanted to create something meaningful to honor her precious life. Something close to her heart.”
Because of Hannah’s love of the HOSA program and the opportunities it afforded her, Michelle knew that Hannah would have wanted to help other students interested in the HOSA program by removing financial barriers that might stand in their way. So, Michelle began thinking about community partners that could help.
Hannah Harrison with fellow HOSA participants.
“I immediately thought of Holston Medical Group,” said Turner. “My healthcare provider is with HMG, and I know they focus on supporting and helping the community, so I contacted them. They immediately embraced the idea and wanted to help.”
Michelle arranged a meeting with HMG and the high school’s HOSA staff, and the idea for “Hannah’s Grace” was born.
“Hannah’s Grace is for Daniel Boone students who wish to participate in HOSA but may need assistance acquiring the necessary healthcare supplies for the program,” Turner explains. “It is a closet with free equipment, uniforms, and other items students can choose from. HMG is funding the purchase of these supplies to help remove this barrier for students interested in pursuing a healthcare career through HOSA.”
Nurses and clinical support staff are critical to the healthcare delivery system. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the gaps in healthcare and created an increased demand for clinical support staff. Since then, nursing burnout and an aging workforce have contributed to nursing shortages nationwide.
“We are honored to support the Hannah’s Grace project,” stated Samantha Sizemore, Chief Operating Officer of Holston Medical Group. “Breaking down barriers to train our next generation of healthcare professionals is critical to the healthcare delivery system. Hannah’s legacy will live on through students like her who have a passion for helping others.”
HMG also works with the high school’s HOSA program to provide shadowing opportunities to fulfill their program requirements and gain their certifications.
“We are very happy that HMG is partnering with us on this project,” said Kelli Hauldren, Health Science Teacher and HOSA Advisor at Daniel Boone High School. “Hannah was so special to all of us, and we are happy her memory will continue to be a part of our HOSA program for years to come.”
The Daniel Boone HOSA program also created a reflection green space on campus in Hannah’s honor, where students can congregate and enjoy time together.
“I am so thankful for all the love and support of the students, the teachers, the community, and HMG for honoring Hannah in this way,” stated Turner. “Words cannot express our gratitude. I know Hannah is smiling down on us.”
For community members who wish to donate to the Hannah’s Grace project, checks made out to “Daniel Boone High School” can be sent to Daniel Boone High School, 1440 Suncrest Dr., Gray, TN 37615, with “Hannah’s Grace donation” in the memo line.
All donations to Hannah’s Grace will help provide uniforms and clinical supplies for Daniel Boone High School students participating in clinical internships and HOSA competitions.