Strengthening a bond that traces back to its founding 71 years ago, Blanchet House has selected University of Portland’s School of Nursing & Health Innovations (UPSONHI) as the recipient of its 2023 Service Award.
Blanchet House bestowed the honor on UPSONHI at its annual Lend a Helping Hand Brunch in downtown Portland March 5. In its ongoing mission to offer food, shelter, and aid to those in need, Blanchet House recognized UP student nurses and faculty for serving people experiencing homelessness in Blanchet’s café, at its foot care clinics and in the nurse-led Harrington Health Clinic.
“The University of Portland’s outstanding nursing faculty and nursing students bring their spirit of innovation in community health care to Blanchet House’s residents and meal guests,” said Scott Kerman, Executive Director of Blanchet House. “This Service Award honors the outstanding impact they make in our community.”
Blanchet House, located in Old Town Portland, was founded in 1952 by University of Portland alumni as a “House of Hospitality”—a place for people experiencing poverty to receive hot meals, clothes, and community. More than seven decades later, the University is proud to remain a faithful ally, according to Casey Shillam, Dean of UP’s School of Nursing & Health Innovations.
“Blanchet House and Harrington Health Clinic are two of our most treasured community partnerships, and the contributions of UP nursing students and faculty makes a powerful impact on the health and wellness of all people living in our beloved city of Portland,” Shillam said.