Volunteer Spotlight: ASU Edson College of Nursing & Health Innovation

Future Nurses and Community Champions

This year, nursing students from Arizona State University’s Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation are stepping outside the classroom, and beyond the walls of the hospital, to put their training into action where it matters most: in the homes of Arizona families.

From Peoria to Tempe to Buckeye, more than 100 students and future nurses volunteered their time to take part in ABF’s Community Smoke Alarm Walks. Working alongside local fire departments, ASU students install free smoke alarms, identify fire risks in vulnerable neighborhoods, and help families create life-saving safety plans. Their boots-on-the-ground service is making communities safer, one home at a time.

For many students, the experience is both impactful and eye-opening.

“We’re assigned to come for the first one, but then I just really enjoyed it,” shared Maylee, who volunteered at both the Peoria and Tempe Smoke Alarm Walks. “The most rewarding part is just talking to people and hearing their stories… You get a lot of different people in a lot of different stages of life. And in Tempe there were a lot of Spanish speakers, so being able to use my Spanish was really fun!”

Community-Based Learning & Experiences

For ASU instructor John Fraleigh, these moments are exactly why he brings students into the community.

“Anytime there’s an opportunity to get students out there, outside the walls of the hospital and into real life, we jump on that,” he shared. “We found some smoke detectors that weren’t working… a couple [of] bedrooms had no smoke detectors at all. Being able to replace that and know you made a difference is definitely a good feeling.”

Jon said for some students, the experience also brings an important lesson. These volunteer opportunities help them understand the realities of the communities where nurses serve and students connect the dots between home safety and health outcomes.

“In the hospital, it’s easy to think everyone has a great house and they’re doing fine,” he said. “But once you go out into the community, you see the disparities. Sometimes the light goes on—and that’s what community health is really all about.”

For student Kate, who volunteered at the Buckeye Smoke Alarm Walk, the impact felt immediate. “It was a fun experience, helping save people’s lives and feeling like you made a difference,” she said. “We saved 8 people’s lives today!”

A Shared Commitment to Safer Communities

The partnership between ABF and ASU’s Edson College highlights the power of hands-on education, community connection, and a shared mission for safety. These future nurses are not only gaining valuable experience—they’re helping protect families, prevent tragedies, and build healthier, safer communities.

ABF is grateful for their ongoing commitment, compassion, and service.

Join Us

To learn more about our Community Smoke Alarm Walks and how to get involved, please visit our Community Smoke Alarm page.