Dear Members of the Maryland Nurses Association,
It has been a pleasure to engage with many of you at events throughout our beautiful state of Maryland this past quarter. These interactions have been invaluable in strengthening our professional community and providing me with deeper insights into the diverse needs and accomplishments of our membership across various healthcare settings.
The month of May was particularly significant as we commemorated Nurses Week and extended the celebrations throughout the month with celebrations designed to honor the extraordinary contributions of Maryland nurses. This annual observance serves as a vital reminder of the essential role our profession plays in healthcare delivery across all settings.
Additionally, I had the privilege of attending commencement ceremonies, an experience that was both professionally affirming and personally moving. Observing the graduates’ professional enthusiasm and aspirations reinforced my confidence in the future direction of our profession. Their intellectual curiosity, commitment to evidence-based practice, and dedication to patient advocacy give me great optimism regarding their forthcoming contributions to MNA committees and governance boards. As an organization, we must continue to cultivate relationships with these emerging professionals who represent the next generation of nursing leadership in our state.
As we progress through the summer months, I encourage all members to allocate time for personal well-being and professional renewal. The demands of our profession necessitate intentional periods of respite and reflection to maintain the high standards of care for which Maryland nurses are known. Professional sustainability requires balancing our dedication to patient care with appropriate self-care practices.
Looking ahead, I anticipate reconvening with you at the 122nd Annual Convention, scheduled for October 16-17, 2025, in Bethesda, MD. This year’s theme is “Empowering Nurses: Elevating Health”. This important event will provide comprehensive opportunities for continuing education, professional networking, and recognition of our collective dedication to advancing nursing. The convention program is being thoughtfully developed to address contemporary healthcare challenges and innovations relevant to our diverse membership. We are also planning more interactive activities this year for our participants. I strongly encourage your active participation in this cornerstone event of the association.
Throughout the remainder of 2025, the Maryland Nurses Association will continue advocating for policies that support nursing, enhance patient outcomes, and strengthen healthcare. I am delighted to share that HB783/SB458 Health Occupations – Implicit Bias and Structural Racism Training was successfully passed and signed into law by Governor Wes Moore. This significant achievement would not have been possible without the sponsorship of Senator Dawn Gile and HGO Chair Joseline Pena-Melnyk, along with the invaluable assistance of Dr. Yvette Conyers in drafting the legislation. The passage of this bill during this legislative session stands as a testament to the collective commitment and perseverance of our membership and Maryland healthcare during the current times. Your continued engagement with our association’s initiatives remains essential to our collective influence and effectiveness in these critical areas.
I extend my professional regards to each of you for a productive and restorative summer season. Your ongoing commitment to our profession and the Maryland Nurses Association remains the foundation of our organizational strength and our ability to positively impact healthcare delivery throughout Maryland. Each of you contributes uniquely to our shared mission of “advocating the highest quality of healthcare, safe work environments, and excellence in nursing.”
With professional regards and sincere appreciation,
Onward and upward,
Best regards,
