At Jefferson College of Nursing (JCN), we remain committed to celebrating the transformative power of nurse leadership in advancing health equity. Few embody this more fully than Neva White, DNP, CRNP-BC, CDCES, our 2025 JCN Distinguished Alumni Award recipient, whose visionary work as the Executive Director of the Frazier Family Coalition for Stroke Education and Prevention is reshaping community health in Philadelphia. Dr. White is a 2011 graduate of JCN’s Doctor of Nursing Practice program.
Stroke remains the fourth-highest cause of death in Philadelphia, with rates 20 times higher than the national average. In response to a generous gift from the Frazier and Nicoletti Families, Jefferson Health and Temple Health joined forces to create the Frazier Family Coalition (FFC), a multifaceted initiative coordinated through the Vickie & Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience. Under Dr. White’s leadership, the FFC has become a beacon of innovation, collaboration and impact.
Dr. White, a nurse practitioner and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, has dedicated her career to serving underserved communities. She has led NIH-funded research on diabetes and cognitive decline, taught at Widener and Jefferson and mentored countless future nurse leaders. Her work exemplifies the critical role nurses play in shaping healthcare delivery and policy.
Over the last 11 months, more than 6,700 individuals attended 215 Frazier Family Coalition for Stroke Education and Prevention (FFC) events – including community health fairs, health screenings, health education classes, online workshops, webinars, and more. In 2023 alone, nearly 3,800 individuals attended 124 FFC events – including health fairs, screenings, education classes, and webinars – resulting in 555 primary care referrals. These numbers reflect a 38% increase in outreach and a 26% increase in participation, underscoring the Coalition’s growing influence.
One of the most innovative programs launched under Dr. White’s direction is the PAD screening initiative, which partners with seven North Philadelphia barbershops and three churches to provide ankle-brachial index tests. This culturally competent outreach addresses the city’s highest amputation rates and builds trust in communities historically underserved by healthcare systems.
Dr. White reflects on the power of collaboration: “The Jefferson and Temple collaboration has been one that the community celebrates! The healthcare professionals from both organizations seamlessly work together to address the risk factors of stroke – displaying their profound commitment to our community.”
The Coalition’s Personalized Stroke Prevention Program (PSPP) offers individualized care navigation, education and clinical services to high-risk individuals. Participants receive home visits, blood pressure monitors, and tailored health education – resulting in improved blood pressure control, diabetes management and healthcare engagement.
Community members are effusive in their praise: “I have several family members who suffer from hypertension and diabetes. I have diabetes. Until today, I never really understood the relationship between these diseases and your circulation,” said one barbershop owner. “It is amazing to have vascular surgeons, nurse practitioners, medical students and health educators all here on a Saturday volunteering their time for such a great cause!”
In January 2026, the Frazier Family Coalition will launch the Well Within Reach podcast: “Health, hope, and help – closer than you think.” The podcast will be found on the Frazier Family Coalition – YouTube channel.
As we honor Dr. Neva White’s achievements, we are reminded of the critical role nurse leaders play in shaping a healthier, more equitable future. Her work is a beacon for our students, faculty and alumni – proof that nursing innovation can change lives. Let this academic year be one of bold ideas, deep partnerships, and lasting impact.
Learn more about the Frazier Family Coalition for Stroke Education and Prevention and its successful drive to eliminate one of our community’s most deadly health threats.