The American Nurses Association (ANA), Al Roker Entertainment, and HealthCom Media, publisher of American Nurse Journal, have joined forces to produce a multi-channel campaign to celebrate the heroic work of nurses and the positive impact they have on our nation in this time of crisis—and beyond. The American Nurse Heroes campaign will present true stories of nurses on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic in the journal, online, and through a network television event.
The campaign will highlight the magnitude of nurses’ impact on society and the American healthcare system. Numbering more than 4.2 million strong, nurses are the largest group of healthcare professionals in the country. They are with patients and families in all settings where healthcare is delivered, and they touch people’s lives from birth to the end of life. American Nurse Heroes has just released a public service announcement (PSA) that highlights this work: American Nurse Heroes PSA.
Globally, the nursing profession marks a milestone in 2020, as the World Health Organization (WHO) declared it the International Year of the Nurse and Midwife in honor of the 200th anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale. ANA joins with WHO and global colleagues in extending the Year of the Nurse and Midwife into 2021 because of the impact of the pandemic. The recognition will build on the increased visibility of nurses’ contributions from 2020, and the expansion of National Nurses Week to the month of May as Nurses Month.
“I’m honored that ANA and HealthCom Media have selected Al Roker Entertainment to tell these amazing stories,” commented television personality Al Roker. “As a New Yorker, I am well aware and appreciative of the heroic actions nurses perform daily, let alone during this global pandemic. Their first-person stories are real, authentic, and vital—and give much-needed insight into the frontlines of healthcare.”
“The campaign will inspire viewers to share their own stories of how nurses have made a lasting impression on their lives, make the case to policymakers about the importance of investing in nursing, and inspire young people to choose nursing as a career,” said ANA Enterprise acting-CEO Debbie Hatmaker, PhD, RN, FAAN.
The public will have an opportunity to support the American Nurses Foundation’s non-profit efforts to show their appreciation and support for nurses who are caring for patients during this pandemic, despite significant risks to their well-being and safety. You can donate here: www.thanknurses.org
“It’s long overdue to tell stories of these selfless professionals and their positive impact on society,” said Greg Osborne, president and founder of HealthCom Media. “We are pleased to bring nurses’ stories to life.”
