Nurses Week 2026 began with a powerful celebration of nurses and the extraordinary impact they make in our communities every day. In partnership with the American Nurses Association (ANA), Maryland Nurses Association (MNA) staff, including Executive Director Barb Biedrzycki and Director of Marketing and Communications Ron Santana, helped kick off the week by distributing breakfast and gifts to nurses at MedStar Washington Hospital Center, the largest hospital in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. The event was a meaningful way to thank nurses for their dedication, compassion, and leadership while recognizing the essential role they play in patient care every day.

The celebration continued that afternoon at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, where nurses working at the forefront of groundbreaking clinical research were honored for their contributions to healthcare innovation. Barb and Ron were joined by NIH Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, ANA CEO Angela Beddoe, and ANA CNO Brad Goettl for this special occasion. The presence of Dr. Bhattacharya underscored the national importance of nursing leadership and research, making this an inspiring and memorable start to Nurses Week 2026.