The Southwest Virginia Council of Nurse Practitioners has conducted a SWVA Nurse Honor Guard tribute at Gilliam’s Funeral Home in Big Stone Gap, Virginia. On 1/1/2025, Drs. Christine Mullins and Rebecca Garrett conducted the heartfelt tribute.

Mullins said. “Conducting the Honor Guard tribute is one of the most honorable and memorable ceremonies I have ever participated in. There are honor guards for the military, masons, police, and firefighters. Now nurses can also be honored in southwest Virginia with recognition of their profound service and impact throughout their careers.”

The SWVA Nurse Honor Guard has established a website, donated by The Health Wagon. The website allows volunteers to share their contact information, and the Guard has recruited 31 volunteers representing nine counties in Virginia. The website provides information on conducting the ceremony, the supplies needed and how to obtain them, the Mission, Values, FAQ, Testimonials, a Media Gallery, and Contact Information.

The Southwest Region–VCNP is also selling raffle tickets for $5 each for an Eko brand electronic stethoscope (valued at $400) to help fund SWVA Honor Guard endeavors. The group has also created a Facebook page and private chat for members to communicate. The council’s next steps are to acquire more honor guard capes, caps, triangles, lanterns, and service announcements for funeral homes to spread the word to families throughout the region.