MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT

Welcome to the Birmingham Black Nurses Association, Inc. (BBNA).

First let me thank the BBNA members for trusting me to lead in this capacity for such a dynamic organization. I am very proud of the work that we do for the organization, the National Black Nurses Association, Inc. (NBNA), BBNA and the community. I look forward to serving the membership collaborating partners and community this year.

BBNAs goal is to provide a forum by black nurses to investigate define and advocate for the health care needs of African American and people of other ethnicities. The BBNA is committed to implementing strategies that ensure access to health care, equal to, or above health care standards of the lager society.

This year brings new challenges for nurses as we face a struggling economy, impending nursing shortage, job shortages and the ongoing debate around health care reform. There are still opportunities for nurses to play a significant role in shaping the future health care delivery systems. BBNA strives to be at the table to represent our interests and those of the community that we serve. Our members are active participants on Boards of various health care and academic organizations. We continually seek new relationships that strengthen our position and visibility in the healthcare arena.

BBNA is very involved politically to ensure that we are represented. There is an old saying "if you are not at the table then you are probably on the menu". BBNA participates in the National Black Nurses Day on Capitol, Washing, DC and Nurses Day at the Capitol Rally, Montgomery Alabama annually. BBNA works closing with the Alabama Coalition of Nurse Organizations, whose mission is "to identify critical healthcare issues and act collectively to influence public policy in collaboration with other groups". I am currently serving as the co-chair of this coalition. BBNA also works with various other nursing organizations to remain informed and to influence issues in diverse settings. I always say "nurses must make our numbers count with our Voices and our Votes".

We are committed to encouraging and nurturing nursing students. The BBNA membership program provides activities that enable growth and empowerment for future nurse leaders, educators and scientist. I am very proud of our mentorship program. Recently, we created a partnership with Navigator to expand this focus. We offer annual nursing scholarships. Last year we were able to give three nursing scholarships to some very deserving and dedicated nursing students.

We are constantly increasing our membership and last year was a record year for BBNA increase in new members. Since there is much work to be done, I am hopeful that this upward trend will continue and we need your help and participation.

We are active participants within the community and proponents of health promotion disease prevention and health education. We participate in blood pressure screenings and educational health fairs, sickle cell walk, breast cancer walk, Walk from Obesity, Nurses Day at the Capitol just to name a few. Buna's signature events are our Biannual Legends in White Nursing Student Scholarship Gala and Nursing Students Scholarship Brunch. We were recognized nationally in 2010 for our community out reach projects.

I am so excited about this year and all of the lives that we will touch.

Sincerely,

Deborah Andrews, MSHSA, RN
President, BBNA
Email: info@birminghambna.org
or 4deborah@att.net
Phone: (205) 445-4408