Columbia Nursing Heads to Capitol Hill

As we celebrate Black History Month, we are proud to highlight the representation of our faculty and students at the 32^nd annual National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) day on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. on February 7. Over 300 nurses and nursing students attended the annual event to discuss various topics related to health disparities and issues affecting the black community with politicians.

The theme for this year’s visit was “Addressing Social Determinants of Health: NBNA’s Call to Action.” The five target areas for discussion included:

1. The epidemic of HIV/AIDs;
2. Climate change and environmental justice;
3. Smoking and vaping;
4. Gun violence and related consequences; and
5. Mental health, depression, and suicide in adolescents and young adults

DNP students Chelsea Burrell and Sierra Davis attended the event along with the Columbia Black Student Nurses faculty advisor Kellie Bryant, assistant professor and executive director of simulation.

The morning started with various presentations to brief the participants before their scheduled Capitol Hill appointments. The presenters included former Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz, president & CEO, Better Medicare Alliance, Mia Mastern, director, National Advocacy and Professional Relations, Pfizer, Robert Blancato, national coordinator, Defeat Malnutrition Today Coalition, and Gregg Margolis, director of health policy fellowships and leadership programs, National Academy of Medicine.

Members then met with the legislative aides for New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Representative Hakeem Jeffries. Bryant and her students also met with Juan Negrete, legislative correspondent for New York Senator Chuck Schumer to discuss the five target areas outlined by NBNA. The day concluded with a debriefing session and reception.

Learn more about the Annual NBNA Capitol Hill Day.