Target Audience
Class A, over-the-road (OTR) semi-trucker drivers
About Us
St. Christopher Truckers Development and Relief Fund (SCF) was co-founded in 2007 by Dr. John McElligott (“Dr. John”), radio host Dave Nemo, and his business partner Michael Burns.
The organization was started for three primary reasons:
- Addressing High Health Risks: The founders identified that over 70% of professional drivers suffer from serious chronic conditions, leading to a life expectancy 16 years shorter than the average.
- Eliminating Barriers to Care: Dr. John witnessed firsthand that drivers’ irregular hours and lack of parking prevented them from accessing traditional clinics, while over one-third lacked health insurance-directly to providers.
- Preventing Financial Ruin: Nemo and Burns, through their radio programs, heard constant accounts of drivers losing their homes and livelihoods after being sidelined by short-term illness or injury.
How SCF Helps OTR Drivers
Financial & Emergency Relief
• Direct Bill Payment: Rather than providing cash directly to drivers, the fund pays essential household bills—such as rent/mortgage, utilities, vehicle payments, and insurance.
Health & Wellness Programs
The “Driven to Be Healthy” initiative offers free, proactive programs designed to prevent common chronic illnesses prevalent in the trucking community.
• Chronic Disease Management: Includes 12-week interactive courses on diabetes prevention and “Healthy Habits for the Long Haul,” which covers stress management, nutrition, and sleep.
• Preventative Screenings: Drivers can access free at-home kits for cervical, colorectal, and prostate cancer screenings.
• Cessation & Vaccines: The Rigs without Cigs program assists with nicotine cessation. The fund also provides vouchers for free flu, Covid, shingles, and pneumonia vaccines.