[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 16537]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  CELEBRATING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARKANSAS NURSES ASSOCIATION

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TIM GRIFFIN

                              of arkansas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 5, 2012

  Mr. GRIFFIN of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and 
congratulate the Arkansas Nurses Association (ARNA) on their 100 years 
of continued leadership in and dedication to the nursing profession in 
Arkansas.
  Nurses play a vital role in our health care system, providing 
essential patient care and improving the quality of their patients' 
lives. Nearly all--if not all--Americans have been or will be cared for 
by a nurse at some point in their lives. And, according to a recent 
survey by Gallup, nursing was recognized as the most trusted profession 
in the United States.
  For their centennial celebration, ARNA has built their anniversary 
year around a celebration of ``The Year of the Nurse,'' which has 
included a celebration of their past, their present, and their future. 
For the past 100 years, it has been the mission of Arkansas nurses to 
ensure a healthy Arkansas population and a stronger nursing profession, 
and with ARNA's service, education, and advocacy, the nursing 
profession has continued to improve the quality of care delivered 
throughout Arkansas's 75 counties.
  Even after the centennial celebration has concluded, ARNA will 
continue their efforts in promoting and ensuring developments in 
advanced education, clinical competency, nursing research, and patient 
and nurse advocacy.
  As ARNA celebrates its centennial anniversary, I honor the efforts of 
Arkansas nurses who have created a professional organization that 
continues to advance the nursing profession in Arkansas and throughout 
the country, and I look forward to another 100 years of their success.

                          ____________________