Suburban Strong

Community 5k supports Nursing Excellence Programs and sets record-breaking fundraising efforts

Caring, growing, and succeeding are themes of a new tradition in Montgomery County, Maryland, to support Suburban Hospital nurses. This spring marked the hospital’s third annual Nurses 5k Fun Run/Walk showcasing hundreds of participants. Together Suburban colleagues, foundation board members, families, and community members hit the pavement and raised more than $56,000 — a fundraising record.

The May race coincides with National Nurses Week and benefits Suburban’s Nursing Excellence Programs. Ginaya Crooks, director of Nursing Professional Practice and Quality at Suburban, says the programs impact nurses in a variety of ways — from onboarding and continuing education to achieving certifications and attending conferences.

“It’s a great opportunity for our staff,” she explains. “The programs help our nurses enhance their practice, skills, and knowledge and lead them to become even better nurses in their specialties.”

In addition to professional development opportunities, the race builds camaraderie and even friendly internal competition. Crooks and Jason Salm, a registered nurse in the intensive care unit, have volunteered for and participated in the event.

“It’s a morale boost,” says Salm. “We are able to spend time with our peers and meet community members in an environment outside of work in a thoughtful, healthy, and active way.”

“It’s humbling,” adds Crooks. “The community is invested in our hospital. They understand the importance of nurses and how our work affects their lives. Everyone wants to live in a place where you feel safe and comfortable to seek care.”

The idea for the fundraiser goes back to 2023 when Suburban Hospital President and Chief Operating Officer LeighAnn Sidone was then the vice president of nursing and chief nursing officer. Sidone’s vision was to create a meaningful way to recognize the hospital’s nursing staff during Nurses Week, while promoting community health. To help raise awareness, Suburban partnered with the Professional Nursing Practice Council and the hospital’s foundation board.

Martha Slagle, a Suburban Hospital Foundation Board member, has volunteered and crowdfunded since the inaugural race. She underscores how nurses are the driving force at the hospital and calls it “heartwarming” to see the community’s appreciation.

“Suburban has always been my hometown hospital,” she says. “Every participant who crosses the finish line is smiling and joyful. It’s an honor to support the race and sit on the board.”

Growing up in Bethesda, Slagle says the hospital has been a staple for her and her entire family. The care that she and her loved ones have received is why she’s dedicated to giving back through volunteering and philanthropy.

“Suburban gives the kind of care that is from the heart,” says Slagle. “We have such a high level of nursing happening at Suburban. Nurses make all the difference, and I want to keep on supporting their efforts.”

Along with the foundation, Suburban Hospital’s Professional Practice Council (PPC) also collaborates on the 5K race. The PPC coordinates Nurses Week, sponsorships, and funding. Salm, chair of the PPC, says the council serves a liaison between the nurses and what’s happening system wide at the hospital. Both Salm and Crooks credit the strong relationship between the council and foundation with making the race a success.

“Without the support of our foundation, we would not be able finance the race,” says Salm. “To have their support and to have this event is profound.”

As race participation continues to increase each year at Suburban, it has inspired other Johns Hopkins hospitals, including Sibley Memorial Hospital and Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center to host their own Nurses Week run/walks.

“Nurses are great and kind people,” says Crooks. “We are amazing advocates for patients and their families.”