As we continue the series of articles from the Colorado Nurses Foundation (CNF) honoring the legacy of nursing leaders who have defied racism and paved the way for underrepresented nurses, we recognize that groups as well as individuals have been Legendary Leaders. This quarter, we feature three organizations that provide leadership and support for underrepresented nurses in Colorado.
In May of 1973 a group of concerned Black nurses founded the Colorado Council of Black Nurses, Inc. (CCBN). For over 50 years, CCBN has worked to achieve their mission “ to improve the health status of all people through empowering under-served communities to be equal contributors in the determination of healthcare standards by increasing the number of Black/African American professional nurses throughout the health care continuum, and by increasing college matriculation and successful graduation rates among Black and other underrepresented students in postsecondary education, thereby empowering under-served communities to not only be participants but active contributors to an equitable health care system in local, national, global, and space settlement arenas.” In addition to initiatives to increase the number of Black and African American professional nurses, promote health equity, support underserved communities, and provide scholarships and mentoring for students, CCBN has a unique Aerospace Nursing Department that produces an Annual Space Expo. For more information, check out their website at https://ccbninc.org/.
The National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN)-Denver Chapter promotes Hispanic nurses, addresses healthcare challenges and disparities in Latino communities, and advocates for culturally competent healthcare across the region. Originally founded as the Colorado Chapter of NAHN by Gloria Raigoza in 1992, the group later became the Denver Chapter of NAHN and partnered with the Southern Colorado Chapter to increase their impact in Colorado. NAHN is committed to advancing the health of Hispanic communities and to lead, promote and advocate for educational, professional, and leadership opportunities for Latino nurses. NAHN members work to improve health equity, increase literacy, promote education and influence policy.See https://www.hispanicnurses-denverchapter.org to learn more.
Philippine Nurses Association of Colorado (PNANCO) is the local chapter of Philippine Nurses of America (PNAA). Founded in 2005 to support, unite, and elevate Filipino nurses in the Rocky Mountain Region. PNANCO strives to enhance professional growth, networking, and the welfare of Filipino American nurses, while also preserving Filipino care values. PNANCO participates in local events and community outreach including co-sponsoring annual multicultural health fairs with the Colorado Alliance for Health Equity and Practice and the Susan G. Komen Multicultural Conference on Breast Health, a free one-day conference. Go to https://www.pnaco.org to investigate further.
CNF is proud to support these three organizations by making them the benefactors of scholarship funds raised by the CNF Nurse License Plate Program. The program also supports the CNF Jeniffer Allen-Thomas Scholarship for Underrepresented Nurses. The scholarship was established by CNF to honor Jennifer’s foundational work in establishing the License Plate Program. Find out more about how you can support these scholarships at https://www.coloradonursesfoundation.com/nurses-license-plate1.
