The National Association of Hispanic Nurses Illinois Chapter was recognized for its collective team efforts and activities that aim to advance health equity and mitigate health disparities caused by social determinants of health.

NAHN Illinois Chapter hosts monthly events focused on community service, education, information gathering, and professional development. Some recent highlights include:

· Awarded over $12,000 in scholarships to Hispanic nursing students.

· Collected more than 100 medical supplies for a medical mission to serve impoverished communities in El Salvador.

· Volunteered to provide health screenings, vaccinations, health education, supply distribution, first aid and/or other services at numerous community partner events, including Get Vax & Relax with Rincon Family Services, a National Kidney Foundation event, Fiesta Del Sol in partnership

with the Latino First Responders Alliance, Vive tu Vida Health Fair with the Chicago Hispanic Health Coalition, Early Childhood Resource Fair, Family Health & Safety Fair with PNAI, Share the Warmth, Young Hearts 4 Life, and more.

· Collaborated with All of US Research to provide outreach and educational presentations, including the forum, “Pioneras: The role of Latina researchers, scholars, and activists in healthcare.”

· Offered health education through media appearances on Univision Chicago during National Diabetes Month.

· Provided educational sessions for the Hispanic workforce with Casa Central on heart health, blood pressure monitoring, and osteoporosis.

· Participated in Nurse Day at the Capital to advocate for nursing professional healthcare policy.

· Arranged presentations by community partners for chapter nurses to engage in ongoing education. Some topics included strokes in the Hispanic community, diversity, equity, and inclusion, brain health, treatment of lupus, and disparities in Spanish language outreach.

· Created a mentorship program with 28 participants to facilitate personal and professional growth, offering professional development activities including resume building, mock interviews, headshots, and more.

One community partner who nominated the NAHN Illinois Chapter explained that:

“NAHN-IL provides resources and mentorship that leads to academic success, the development of clinically competent Hispanic nurses who, in turn, provide expertise and unique insights into the care and education of patients, particularly those in vulnerable and growing underserved populations. The chapter organizes opportunities for their members to participate in various community health events, especially during National Volunteer Week. Chapter leadership provides access for members to expand their knowledge of social determinants of health, including topics concerning LGBTQ communities, and Covid education.”