Doylestown Nurses Take Deeply Moving Screening Trip To Navajo Nation

DOYLESTOWN, PA — Five Penn Medicine Doylestown Health nurses recently returned from a week-long service trip to the Navajo Nation where they joined educators, community members, and fellow healthcare professionals to provide health screenings to more than 1,000 children and distribute 250 pairs of free glasses.

“Beyond the numbers, what stays with us the most is the resilience, warmth, and welcoming spirit of the communities that we served,” said nurse Kenny Barrett. “Volunteering was an unforgettable and deeply humbling experience," he added. "It was a privilege to help catch and address health needs early so students can thrive both inside and outside the classroom."

Kenny said one of the most rewarding parts of the trip was being able to help bridge the gap to clear vision; a tangible moment that completely changes a child's day-to-day ability to learn, play, and engage with the world.

"It was truly a team effort among volunteers, ophthalmologists, and the Lions Clubs of New Mexico and Arizona," said Kenny.

The trip was part of Doylestown Health’s long-standing partnership with Americans for Native Americans (ANA). For many years, the hospital's nursing team has mentored University of New Mexico-Gallup nursing students at Doylestown Hospital and last year, two of the hospital nurses were the first to participate in the screening trip.

Trying on glasses. (Penn Medicine Doylestown)

Conducting a health screening. (Penn Medicine Doylestown)

"When nurses answer the call to serve, they change lives,” said Marla Pellegrini, chief nursing officer at Penn Medicine Doylestown Health. “I am deeply proud of these nurses who traveled to the Navajo and Zuni reservations to help ensure children receive important health screenings. Their compassion, dedication, and willingness to give of themselves embody the true spirit of nursing and remind us why this profession is so extraordinary."

Earlier this year, the hospital received the 2026 Bill and Connie Eastburn Founders Award for its collaboration with the ANA.