FLOURTOWN, PA — Nurse and healthcare advocate Betty Long has made a $25,000 personal donation to the Nightingale Awards of Pennsylvania to strengthen the organization’s scholarship fund for nursing students, while also pledging to match additional contributions through the end of the year.
Long, founder, president, and CEO of Guardian Nurses Healthcare Advocates, made the gift as she concludes her tenure as president of the Nightingale Awards’ Board of Trustees. Her matching commitment will double new donations received through December 31, 2025, up to an additional $25,000, potentially adding $50,000 to the fund.
Long said the contribution is intended to leave a lasting impact on nursing education and encourage others to support students entering the profession.
“As I complete my tenure as Board President, I wanted to leave something meaningful that advances nursing education in Pennsylvania,” Long said. “Investing in the next generation of nursing professionals is essential to the health of our communities.”
The donation comes amid continued strain on the nursing workforce, including persistent staffing shortages and rising concerns about workplace safety. Long also pointed to growing frustration within the profession as nurses face challenges to their professional status despite extensive education and training requirements.
Funds from the gift will be directed to the Nightingale Awards of Pennsylvania’s existing scholarship program, which supports students enrolled in State Board-approved nursing programs across the Commonwealth. The organization typically awards eight scholarships each year to students pursuing a wide range of credentials, including diploma, licensed practical nurse, associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees.
Officials said the one-time gift and matching pledge will significantly expand the scholarship pool during the current cycle, allowing for increased financial support to recipients beginning in 2026 and beyond.
The Nightingale Awards of Pennsylvania is a statewide nonprofit organization that recognizes excellence in nursing and provides scholarships to support the future of the profession. Since its founding, the organization has highlighted the contributions of nurses across hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and community-based settings.
“Nursing is not just a job. It is a professional field that requires significant education and training,” Long said. “Strengthening educational pathways for new nurses remains essential to ensuring high-quality care across our communities.”
Additional information about the Nightingale Awards of Pennsylvania and the scholarship fund is available through the organization’s website. Donations made before December 31 will be eligible for Long’s matching commitment.
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