The Pulse of IU Nursing
From the Interim Dean
Janet S. Carpenter, PhD, RN, FAANPromoting Health for Rural Hoosiers
Across the small towns of Indiana, rural communities are facing a growing health crisis. While these areas are rich in resilience and community spirit, they also grapple with limited access to healthcare, worsening health outcomes, and provider shortages.
In many parts of rural Indiana, a trip to a health care provider may require a long drive. Emergency care may be miles away, and specialized treatment even farther. Chronic disease, mental health challenges, and substance use disorders are more prominent in rural areas than in the state’s urban areas, but resources remain scarce.
Our summer issue explores how, despite these challenges, the Indiana University School of Nursing is striving to find ways to bridge the gap in care for the people we serve in our rural communities.
Read further to learn more about the efforts of our dedicated and passionate school community members and see how the School of Nursing is fulfilling its mission to better the health of those we proudly serve.
Answering the Call
Aidan Clifford, a rising senior at the IU School of Nursing, knows that in an emergency, the arrival of professional responders can be delayed in rural towns. But every second is crucial when a cardiac emergency occurs, so Clifford volunteers at the Southeast Chapter of the American Red Cross to train residents in the lifesaving skill of hands-only CPR.
Find out more about Aidan Clifford's lifesaving work
Closing the Gap
Greg Carter, PhD, MSN, RN, has been an integral part of the IU School of Nursing for more than 20 years and has earned three degrees from the university. Carter, who is the new interim associate dean for the School of Nursing in Bloomington, dedicates his research and advocacy to reducing the disparities among the most vulnerable populations.
Learn more about how Greg Carter is improving rural health
A Legacy of Learning
The estate of Anita Aldrich provided a gift to the School of Nursing, making it possible for nursing and interprofessional students to teach substance abuse prevention, as well as a social-emotional learning curriculum, to school-aged children in rural Indiana. The generous gift also provides support for scholarships and research grants for IU nursing students.
Learn more about Anita Aldrich's legacy of learningSubscribe to The Pulse of IU Nursing
The Pulse of Indiana Nursing is a joint publication of the Indiana University School of Nursing and the IU Alumni Association.