(BPRW) National Black Nurses Association Announces Seven Legislative Priorities to Address on Capitol Hill

Black Nurses to Unite for the 35th Annual National Black Nurses Day on Feb. 2

(Black PR Wire) SILVER SPRING, MD – The National Black Nurses Association calls on the 118th Congress to address seven legislative priorities for the 35th Annual National Black Nurses Day on Capitol Hill, Thursday, February 2, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00  a.m. EST. The theme of National Black Nurses Day is “Health Equity, Reckoning & Wellness:  NBNA’s Renewed Call to Action.” 

“NBNA Legislative Toolkit Briefing for Capitol Hill Visits” 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. 

Sheldon D. Fields, PhD, RN, FNP-BC, AACRN, FAANP, FNAP, FAAN

First Vice President

National Black Nurses Association 

Chair, NBNA Health Policy Committee

The Seven Legislative Priorities for the day are: 

NBNA supports comprehensive efforts to increase access to care for all Americans through changes that will address full practice authority and State Compact Licensure for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs).  

NBNA calls on the 118th Congress to address gun violence as a leading public health issue that negatively impacts the health and well-being of all communities. Moreover, gun violence disproportionately impacts the physical, mental, and social well-being of Black communities. 

NBNA supports comprehensive efforts to reduce obesity and its devastating effects on morbidity and mortality in minorities. The high mortality and morbidity rates of obesity and its related conditions among Black Americans are staggering. 

NBNA supports comprehensive efforts to reduce suicide and its devastating effects on Black families. The rate of suicides has increased drastically among African Americans. 

NBNA supports comprehensive efforts to reduce climate and environmental justice. Black and Hispanic minorities bear a pollution burden of 56% and 63% excess exposure to fine particulate matter air pollution, respectively. Fine particulate matter exposure has been found to be responsible for 63% of deaths from environmental causes and 3% of deaths from all causes in the United States.  

Black medical neglect towards incarcerated black and brown individuals is a longstanding historical tragedy. NBNA calls on the 118th Congress to address criminal justice reform as a public health crisis. 

NBNA calls on the 118th Congress to address maternal and infant mortality as an ongoing public health crisis. NBNA supports comprehensive efforts to reduce maternal and infant mortality and its devastating effects. Significant health care inequities and disparities in black maternal and newborn outcomes are reported across the United States. 

“It is an honor to unite on the ground with more than 300 black nurses, nursing students, corporate members, and partners for our 35th annual NBNA Day on Capitol Hill,” stated NBNA President Dr. Martha A. Dawson. “Every first Thursday in February is NBNA’s annual day of service with Members of Congress and we appreciate the opportunity to share our expertise, leadership, and recommendations concerning federal healthcare policies and funding that impact access to health care and health outcomes in the Black and Brown communities.”

“This year’s theme is Health Equity, Reckoning & Wellness:  NBNA’s Renewed Call to Action,“ stated Dr. Sheldon D. Fields, Chair, NBNA Health Policy Committee.  “As the world continues to shift from being exacerbated by the pandemic, it is more important than ever to unite and educate our Members of Congress about the critical legislative priorities and important call-to-action issues that disproportionately affect the communities we serve. This day on the Hill is extremely important as we continue the important work of advocating for the resources needed to achieve health equity in our communities.”

To view more information about NBNA Day on Capitol Hill, go here. NBNA will live stream the event from Facebook on Thursday, February 2. We encourage nurses and guests to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to stay connected.

Official Hashtags:

#NBNA

#NBNANurses

#BlackNurses

#NBNAHillDay2023

#BlackNursesontheHill 

#BlackNursesinAction

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About the National Black Nurses Association  

Founded in 1971, the National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) is a professional organization representing 308,000 African American registered nurses, licensed vocational/practical nurses, and nursing students in 109 chapters and 34 states. The NBNA mission is “to serve as the voice for Black nurses and diverse populations ensuring equal access to professional development, promoting educational opportunities and improving health.” NBNA chapters offer voluntary hours providing health education and screenings to community residents in collaboration with community-based partners, including faith-based organizations, civic, fraternal, hospitals, and schools of nursing. For more information, visit nbna.org. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter!