Nov 09, 2026
SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. – Students in Lake Superior State University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program gained firsthand experience in community-based nursing through the Nursing of Populations course, led by Associate Professor Jaimee Gerrie, in collaboration with St. Ignace Clinic Manager Cheryl LaPlaunt.
The clinical experience involved the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians’ St. Ignace Health Center Mobile Health Unit, which brings healthcare services directly to tribal members living in communities far from the Tribe’s Upper Peninsula health clinic in St. Ignace.
The Mobile Health Unit travels to Romulus, Michigan, helping improve access to healthcare for tribal members who would otherwise face significant travel distances to receive services. By bringing care closer to the communities it serves, the unit helps address geographic barriers to healthcare and illustrates the importance of meeting patients where they are.
For LSSU nursing students, the experience offered an opportunity to see how nursing extends beyond traditional settings. Through community outreach and population-based care, students gained insight into the factors that influence access to healthcare and the importance of understanding the unique needs of the populations they serve. Valuable learning opportunities such as this are made possible in part through generous gift funds, which directly support student participation in community-based initiatives.
“Experiences like this allow our students to see firsthand how access to healthcare can look different from one community to another,” said Jaimee Gerrie, Associate Professor in LSSU’s School of Nursing. “They gain a greater appreciation for the role nurses play in reaching underserved populations, building relationships, and removing barriers to care. It’s an important part of preparing graduates who understand not only how to care for patients, but also the communities that shape their health.”
Events like these help prepare future nurses to recognize barriers, understand the broader factors that influence health, and provide responsive support to individuals and communities. Through community-based learning and clinical experiences, LSSU’s School of Nursing connects classroom instruction with real-world practice, preparing graduates to serve across Michigan and beyond.
Media Contact
Jaimee Gerrie MSN, BSN, RN, LNC, CPPS, NCPMT, CNE
Associate Professor, School of Nursing, Lake Superior State University
[email protected] | 906-635-2732