[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 11 (Friday, January 26, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E107]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           A SALUTE TO THE NATIONAL BLACK NURSES ASSOCIATION

                                 ______


                           HON. LOUIS STOKES

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 26, 1996

  Mr. STOKES. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise today to salute members 
of the National Black Nurses Association. The association is the 
Nation's largest African-American health organization, representing 
more than 130,000 nurses in the United States and throughout the world. 
On February 1, 1996, members of the Black Nurses Association will 
convene on Capitol Hill for its eighth annual National Black Nurses 
Day. Nurses from around the country will travel to Capitol Hill to 
discuss issues that impact nurses, women, children, the elderly, and 
health care in general. The theme for the daylong event is, 
``Strengthening Our Linkages: A Strategy for Protecting Children, 
Families and the Elderly.'' I take pride in saluting the National Black 
Nurses Association as the organization prepares to meet this important 
challenge.
  The National Black Nurses Association was founded in Cleveland, OH, 
in 1971. For the past 25 years, the organization has played a pivotal 
role in advocating the health care needs of minority populations, 
children, the poor, and seniors. The Black Nurses Association has also 
waged the fight to secure increased funding for health research and 
development, health profession education, and public health service.
  Mr. Speaker, when members of the Black Nurses Association travel to 
Capitol Hill on February 1, 1996, they will be armed with an agenda 
which many of us in this Chamber support. The organization stands 
united against cuts in the Medicare and Medicaid Program, and 
reductions in Federal funding for nursing education. The Black Nurses 
Association is also concerned that our Nation rededicate itself to 
meeting the health care needs of our children, the poor, and other 
disadvantaged communities. My colleagues in the Congressional Black 
Caucus, Hispanic Caucus, and other Members of Congress will join forces 
with the National Black Nurses Association to promote this agenda.
  I am proud to note that the Black Nurses Association's Capitol Hill 
event coincides with the 1996 observance of Black History Month. If we 
look back, we can trace the history of African-Americans in nursing to 
a great woman, Sojourner Truth, who ministered to wounded black 
veterans of the Civil War in 1864. In 1870, Susan Smith-Seward became 
the first black woman to receive a medical degree. She received her 
degree from the New York Medical College for Women. History records 
further that in 1879, Mary Mahoney became the first black woman to 
receive a diploma in nursing. She graduated from the New England 
Hospital for Women and Children School of Nursing.
  Mr. Speaker, during Black History Month, and on the occasion of their 
Capitol Hill visit, we salute the members of the National Black Nurses 
Association. We applaud their dedication and strong leadership on the 
important issues facing the health care industry and the Nation.

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