National Black Nurses Association facts for kids
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| Abbreviation | NBNA |
|---|---|
| Formation | 1971 |
| Founder | Betty Smith Williams |
| Founded at | Cleveland, Ohio |
| Type | Organization |
| Purpose | Promoting African American women in the profession of nursing |
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Membership (2020)
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200,000 |
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Main organ
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Journal of the NBNA |
The National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) is an important group for nurses. It started in 1971 in Cleveland, Ohio. This organization helps African American women in the nursing field. It officially became an organization on September 2, 1972.
History of the NBNA
How the NBNA Started
In 1970, about 200 African American nurses had an idea. They were at a big meeting for nurses. They wanted to create a new group just for black nurses. After this meeting, some nurses met at Doctor Mary Harper's home. This was in Cleveland, Ohio. They talked about how to start their own organization.
The group officially began in December 1971. Betty Smith Williams was the nurse who suggested the name "National Black Nurses Association." Mattiedna Johnson also helped to start the group. Doctor Lauranne Sams was the very first president of the NBNA. In 1972, the organization was officially recognized. By 1991, the NBNA had 51 local groups, called chapters, all over the United States.
Leaders and Goals
Betty Smith Williams later served as the president of the NBNA. She was president from 1995 to 1999.
The main goal of the NBNA is to make health better for black people. This includes people in the United States, Canada, the Eastern Caribbean, and Africa. They also want to help more African Americans get into nursing schools. They want to help them get important leadership jobs in nursing too.
The NBNA has a special mission. They want black nurses to work together. They want to find out what health care black Americans need. Then, they want to speak up for those needs. They also work to make sure everyone can get good health care. This health care should be as good as, or even better than, what others receive.
Important Activities
Since 1988, the NBNA has held an event called "NBNA Day on Capitol Hill." At this event, nurses meet with lawmakers. They share ideas on how to support nursing. They also talk about how to help their communities.
The NBNA also has its own official magazine. It is called the Journal of the NBNA. This magazine shares important information and research.
As of 2024, the NBNA has grown a lot. It has about 308,000 members. There are also 111 local chapters across the country.
