Mobile health nurse shares how mission work impacts underserved communities

Peggy Kennon’s life is life dedicated to caring for others.

As an Ascension St. Vincent’s mobile health nurse in Jacksonville, Florida, Peggy Kennon spends her days caring for underserved communities, ensuring patients receive the care they need. Then, during the summers, she takes her passion to a different setting, traveling with her church’s student ministry to repair homes, assist those in crisis and provide medical care to her mission team.

“My work and mission trips are completely intertwined,” said Peggy, who was inspired to become a nurse after witnessing her father’s health struggles with lung disease. “Every day, whether I’m in mobile health or on a roof in the summer heat, I’m living out my purpose — loving God and loving others.”

During these annual mission trips, Peggy and her team travels to areas of high need. Last July, she traveled to Knoxville, Tennessee, where her group helped rebuild homes for families who couldn’t afford essential repairs.

“For some of these homeowners, their ceilings had collapsed because of a failing roof,” Peggy said. “Seeing those conditions firsthand, and then being part of the solution, is incredibly powerful; not just for me, but for the young students who participate in these trips.”

Peggy plays a critical role as the team nurse, ensuring everyone stays safe during the physically demanding work. Over the years, she has managed everything from minor injuries to serious medical emergencies. 

“In mobile health, we go out and meet people where they are, just like we do on mission trips,” she said. “Whether it’s in a clinic or a disaster-stricken community, the work is the same. It’s about meeting needs and offering hope.”

Peggy believes that anyone can find ways to live a life of service.

“If you’re called to serve, start by talking to someone who has done it before,” she said. “Find a way to step out of your comfort zone. Even if it’s something small, some of the most meaningful experiences in life happen when we take that first step.” 

This summer, the team is shifting its focus to Asheville, North Carolina, where they will assist communities still recovering from damage sustained from Hurricane Helene in September, 2024. 

“We go in expecting to serve, but we come back with so much more — gratitude, perspective and a deep sense of purpose,” she said. “We don’t always know exactly what we’ll be doing until we get there. But the need is there, and that’s enough.” 

Mission work is not a separate part of life for Peggy, it is an extension of who she is, both as a nurse and person of faith. No matter where she is, her purpose remains the same: to bring healing, hope and love wherever it’s needed most. 

For more information on the Ascension St. Vincent’s Mobile Health Outreach Ministry, click here.