Dear Fellow Maryland Nurses,
Excitement is in the air as registration remains open for our upcoming 122nd Annual Convention, scheduled for October 16-17, 2025, in Bethesda, MD. This year’s theme, “Empowering Nurses: Elevating Health,” reflects our ongoing commitment to advancing our profession while enhancing the quality of care we provide to our communities. This event promises to deliver exceptional value through comprehensive continuing education opportunities, meaningful professional networking, and recognition of our collective dedication to nursing excellence. Our program committee is thoughtfully developing content that addresses contemporary healthcare challenges, advocacy, policy and innovations relevant to our diverse membership. The convention represents more than just professional development as it is an opportunity to strengthen the bonds that unite us as a profession and to march forward in an ever-evolving healthcare era.
Our collective impact was recently on display in Washington, DC, where over 500 nurses gathered for the 2025 ANA Hill Day on June 26, followed by the ANA Membership Assembly on June 27–28. During Hill Day, nurses met with legislators to advocate for key healthcare policies. A memorable highlight was Senator Chris Van Hollen’s address to Maryland nurses, demonstrating the respect our profession holds nationally.
The Membership Assembly included business sessions, Board elections, a moving Nurse Corps memorial, and celebration, including the lively ANA PAC Party where the Government Affairs team wowed us with a karaoke performance of Pink Pony Club. A standout moment was the inspiring keynote from Suleika Jaouad, award-winning writer and cancer survivor, whose story of resilience reminded us of the profound meaning behind our work.
I was especially proud of the strong turnout from our diverse nursing community, including the Philippine Nurses Association Maryland Chapter and the Indian American Nurses Association of Maryland. Special thanks to Dr. Sarah Vittone and her students from Georgetown University School of Nursing for joining Hill Day and representing the future of nursing. We also thank Rosemary Mortimer and Dr. Mary Jean Schumann for their outstanding service as MNA Membership-At-Large Voting Representatives, and Dr. Barb Biedrzycki, our Executive Director, who attended as an observer along with Dr. Karen Evans and me, representing MNA as Officer Voting Representatives.
As children head back to school this fall, we have an important opportunity to strengthen one of our most effective public health tools: keeping our kids up to date on their vaccinations. This back-to-school season serves as a natural checkpoint for families and healthcare providers to review immunization records and address any gaps. When children are properly vaccinated, we preserve the community immunity that keeps these diseases from taking hold and spreading. This simple step represents one of the most powerful ways we can protect our children’s health and support the wellbeing of our community. I encourage each of you to engage with families in your practice, your communities, and your personal circles to verify that children’s vaccination schedules are current.
Now that we are transitioning into this new season, let us carry forward the energy and commitment demonstrated in Washington, DC. Whether through ensuring children’s immunizations are current, participating in our upcoming convention, or continuing our advocacy efforts, each action we take contributes to our collective mission of elevating health and empowering nurses.
In partnership and service,
Lou J. Bartolo, DNP, MSN, RN
President, Maryland Nurses Association
