title
PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RESOLUTION HONORING THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF HISPANIC NURSES ILLINOIS CHAPTER ON ITS 40TH ANNIVERSARY
WHEREAS, the National Association of Hispanic Nurses Illinois Chapter, NAHN Illinois, traces its origins to January 1986, when Jesusita Pedroza Sepulveda, RN, brought together a founding committee that recognized the health care needs of Hispanic communities and the impact that the underrepresentation of Hispanic nurses and other health professionals had on access to care; and
WHEREAS, NAHN Illinois is a professional, voluntary, and non-profit health care organization dedicated to enriching the lives of Hispanic nurses through academic attainment, mentorship, professional development, and efforts to improve access to care and reshape health care within Hispanic communities; and
WHEREAS, NAHN Illinois advances Hispanic nurses through education, leadership development, mentorship, professional development, community engagement, and opportunities that strengthen Hispanic representation within the nursing profession; and
WHEREAS, NAHN Illinois elevates the next generation of Hispanic nurses through mentorship programming that supports personal and professional growth through guidance, networking, and professional development opportunities; and
WHEREAS, members of NAHN Illinois gain access to scholarships, mentorship, continuing education, and professional development opportunities to continue their academic and professional advancement; and
WHEREAS, NAHN Illinois serves Hispanic communities throughout Illinois through numerous community outreach initiatives, including health screenings, vaccinations, health education, first aid, and other community health services, while collaborating with organizations committed to serving bilingual, bicultural Spanish speaking communities; and
WHEREAS, the National Association of Hispanic Nurses Illinois Chapter advocates for the health care needs of Hispanic communities at the local, state, and national levels through nursing advocacy, health policy engagement, and opportunities for members to engage with policymakers and other stakeholders; and
WHEREAS, NAHN Illinois supports the future nursing workforce through Pre-Nursing initiatives, mentorship, and community outreach that increase awareness of nursing careers and help strengthen the pipeline of future Hispanic nurses; and
WHEREAS, in 2023, the DAISY Foundation recognized the National Association of Hispanic Nurses Illinois Chapter for its collective efforts and activities to advance health equity and mitigate health disparities; and
WHEREAS, NAHN Illinois has been actively reshaping health care in Hispanic communities for the past 40 years, while advancing Hispanic nurse leadership, improving health outcomes, and advocating for equitable and accessible health care; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners hereby recognizes and congratulates the National Association of Hispanic Nurses Illinois Chapter on its 40th anniversary and its significant contributions to nursing, health equity, professional development, mentorship, advocacy, and the health and well-being of Hispanic communities throughout Cook County and Illinois; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the leadership of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses Illinois Chapter in recognition of 40 years of service, leadership, advocacy, professional development, and commitment to Hispanic nurses and the health and well-being of the communities they serve.
end