At Kaiser Permanente, employees are encouraged to think globally and make a difference through volunteer projects in the United States and abroad. One inspiring example is Katie Rolan, DNP, MPH, RN, a Santa Clara Quality Nurse Consultant, who travels twice a year to rural Kenya to distribute scrubs and medical supplies to healthcare professionals.
“Scrubs are expensive, so it’s great that we can bring about 100 pairs each trip,” Rolan said. “Most items are donated by Kaiser Permanente employees.” In Kenya, many healthcare providers wear regular clothes, so receiving scrubs is a special experience: “They are always excited for our donations.”
Rolan has volunteered with Goal4.org since 2020, often bringing Entry-Level Master’s in Nursing (ELMSN) students from the University of the Pacific. Goal4.org equips mothers, health workers, and families with tools to prevent illness. Through its Mother’s Education Project, volunteers teach mothers life-saving practices. Rolan also developed and evaluated the Respectful Maternity Care and Know Your Birth projects, which provide supplies and expertise to rural maternity units. “A few years ago, 13 mothers gave birth at our facility. Last year, that number exceeded 400 babies,” she said.
Her passion for service began early — volunteering at age 12 and joining her first medical mission to Romania at 17, an experience that inspired her nursing career. Today, her commitment to global health and equity shines through every part of her work.
As a leading health care provider and nonprofit health plan, Kaiser Permanente’s mission includes improving community health. “When I asked our leaders for help, they rose to the occasion,” Rolan said. “The support was overwhelming stacks of scrubs and essential supplies poured in.”
“Katie exemplifies the heart of our community,” said Stacy Alves, DNP, MS, RN, NEA-BS, Chief Nursing Executive at Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara. “We are proud of her work in Kenya. Volunteering benefits both the communities we serve and the health of our volunteers.”