[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 38 (Friday, March 15, 2013)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E316] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] IN RECOGNITION OF THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF NATIONAL BLACK NURSES DAY ______ HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL of new york in the house of representatives Friday, March 15, 2013 Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor, recognize, and celebrate the New York 25th Annual Celebration of National Black Nurses Day. On Friday February 22nd, the National Black Nurses Association recognized, honored and awarded the New York Black Nurses Association, Queens County Black Nurses, Caribbean American Nurses Association, Kappa Eta Chapter of Chi Eta Phi Nursing Sorority and Theta Chi Chapter of the Chi Eta Phi Nurses Sorority for their excellence of service and outstanding contributions in the field of nursing to citizens in the State of New York. The National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) was organized in 1971 under the leadership of Dr. Lauranne Sams, former Dean and Professor of Nursing, School of Nursing, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, Alabama. NBNA is a non-profit organization incorporated on September 2, 1972 in the state of Ohio. NBNA represents 150,000 African American registered nurses, licensed vocational/practical nurses, nursing students and retired nurses from the USA, Eastern Caribbean and Africa, with 83 chartered chapters in 34 states. The mission of the National Black Nurses Association ``is to provide a forum for collective action by African American nurses to investigate, define and determine what the health care needs of African Americans are and to implement change to make available to African Americans and other minorities health care commensurate with that of the larger society.'' In 2003, the National Black Nurses Association became one of the five founding organizations of the National Coalition of Ethnic Minority Nurse Associations (NCEMNA), along with Asian American/Pacific Islander Nurses Association, Inc., National Alaska Native American Indian Nurses Association, Inc.; National Association of Hispanic Nurses, Inc.; and, the Philippine Nurses Association of America, Inc. This collaboration gives voice to 350,000 minority nurses. Dr. Betty Smith Williams is the NCEMNA President and a past NBNA President. Its goals include support for the development of a cadre of ethnic nurses reflecting the nation's diversity; advocacy for culturally competent, accessible and affordable health care; promotion of the professional and educational advancement of ethnic nurses; education of consumers, health care professionals and policy makers on health issues of ethnic minority populations; development of ethnic minority nurse leaders in areas of health policy, practice, education and research; endorsement of best practice models of nursing practice, education, and research for minority populations. I was pleased to cosponsor legislation, a proposal brought forth by Dr. Catherine Alicia Georges, past President of the National Black Nurses Association and Chair of the Nursing Department at Herbert H. Lehman College--The City of University of New York, that resulted in the U. S. Congress establishing the first Friday in the month of February as the day to recognize the contributions to healthcare made by Black nurses. I have a special place in my heart for the work of nurses, as my own dear sister was a retired nurse and I am keenly aware of the role that nurses, especially Black nurses have played in addressing the physical, mental, social and spiritual needs of all patients--a cornerstone of this organization. I am so very appreciative for the many contributions of the Black nurses to the City of New York and our Nation. Let me congratulate and salute all of this year's award trailblazers in the field of nursing who have contributed locally, nationally and internationally. Your dedication and devotion to the health needs of everyday Americans is most commendable and deserving of Congressional Recognition. Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation and the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington, let us also celebrate the 25th Anniversary of National Black Nurses Day. ____________________