A Partnership in Care: Emory University and OEF

Meet the latest cohort of fourteen student nurses and two faculty members to visit and volunteer from Emory University.

A Partnership in Care: Emory University and OEF Strengthen Community Health in South Eleuthera

For nearly two decades, OEF has been proud to partner with Emory University’s Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing in fostering a collaborative relationship rooted in service, learning, and shared purpose. In partnership with OEF, a group of twelve student nurses, led by faculty members Dr. Caroline Coburn and Dr. Anita Rich, visited Eleuthera in March to participate in a mutually beneficial, annual service-learning experience.

The Emory team worked in local clinics, conducted free community health checks, and visited schools, providing much-needed healthcare support and education while also building relationships within the community. These annual trips have proven to be more than just educational exchanges—they represent a powerful model of cross-cultural collaboration, providing Emory’s student nurses with broadened perspectives and valuable lessons in resilience and resourcefulness.

Free health checks provided to staff and the general community enhance local health and wellness while enabling nurses to gain valuable experience.

During the week-long intensive, the nursing students assisted in the day-to-day activities of local clinics, working under the direct supervision of the clinic’s medical personnel and gaining insight into what it is like to live and work in a remote setting with limited access to healthcare. In schools, they promoted health awareness among children, empowering the next generation with knowledge about nutrition, hygiene, and wellness.

Community health fairs, led by Emory, provided free blood pressure checks, glucose testing, and health consultations to residents, reinforcing a sense of hope and care, while educating the community on various pathways to improved wellness and enhanced health.

At the core of this successful collaboration is One Eleuthera Foundation’s commitment to promoting health and wellness as a key focus of sustainable community development.

By facilitating these annual service-learning trips, OEF plays a crucial role in bridging gaps in healthcare access while also exposing the next generation of healthcare professionals to the realities and rewards of community-based service.

The OEF study abroad program, in partnership with visiting universities, drives educational tourism, supports local businesses, and boosts Eleuthera’s economy by injecting over $110,000 every year. It is a shining example of what is possible when education, community service, and philanthropy are combined to address local needs and support a successful cross-border collaboration model.