Podcast: How St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund Provides Help for Truckers

Truck drivers are important for keeping our world going, transporting goods across the country, and ensuring that essential supplies reach their destinations. But their demanding profession often exposes them to various health and financial challenges. Organizations such as St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund can play a crucial role in addressing these challenges and improving the overall well-being of truck drivers.

In this episode of Freight Nation: A Trucking Podcast, host Brent Hutto is joined by Shannon Currier, the Director of Philanthropy at the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund. They discuss the fund’s mission, the assistance provided, and the positive impact the organization has on drivers’ lives. 

The Birth of the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund 

In the early 2000s, a problem arose in the trucking industry: drivers facing short-term health issues were losing their homes, vehicles, and livelihoods. Shannon recounts how this led to the creation of the Saint Christopher Truckers Development and Relief Fund. 

“Dr. John, Dave Nemo, and Michael Burns recognized a critical gap in support for truck drivers facing temporary hardships.”

The fund was named after Saint Christopher, the patron saint of travelers, chosen for his symbolic protection of those on the road. This non-profit organization focuses on providing short-term financial assistance to truck drivers, covering essential expenses such as rent, utilities, and vehicle payments, thereby helping them through tough periods without losing their livelihood.

Addressing health and wellness in trucking

The St. Christopher Fund has evolved to address the pressing health concerns of truck drivers, who face significant health risks due to their profession. Shannon cites worrying statistics, such as how 85% of drivers are overweight, and one in seven suffers from type 2 diabetes. Most alarmingly, the life expectancy of truck drivers is 16 years less than the general population.

In response, the organization has developed health and wellness programs aimed at improving drivers’ long-term health. Shannon emphasizes how: 

“From the beginning, we aimed to move beyond immediate relief to also focus on health and wellness. Our goal is to help drivers make healthier choices and prevent diseases like diabetes and heart conditions.”

The fund collaborates with a driver advisory council to tailor its programs effectively. 

“We regularly consult with our council of six drivers to understand their needs and refine our wellness programs,” Shannon says. “Our mission is to help drivers lead healthier lives, thus extending their careers and improving their quality of life.”

Transformative Impact Through Health and Wellness Programs

The St. Christopher Fund’s health and wellness programs demonstrate a profound impact on truck drivers’ lives. Shannon shares compelling stories of individuals who have benefited from these initiatives. 

For instance, Clarence Jackson, a professional driver with 20 years of experience, faced a life-altering challenge when an injury led to multiple amputations and left him unable to work for four months. Struggling with mounting bills and depleted savings, Clarence reached out to various organizations without success—until he discovered the St. Christopher Fund. Through the application process, Shannon’s team provided crucial assistance by covering his rent, helping him stay afloat during this tough time. 

Likewise, Danny Lawson, who struggled to stop smoking, found renewed hope through the fund’s “Rigs Without Cigs” program. Shannon recounts how: 

“He joined that program in 2023, and after a challenging journey, he celebrated his one-year tobacco-free milestone.”

This story of personal growth—just one of many in the fund’s history—underscores the success of the fund’s holistic approach to driver health. By combining support, practical tools, and community engagement, these programs foster long-term wellness and motivate participants to become advocates for healthier lifestyles within the trucking community.

To learn more about Ingrid’s journey, tune into this episode of Freight Nation: A Trucking Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform.