The National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN) Phoenix Chapter has been recognized for its outstanding team efforts and initiatives aimed at advancing health equity and addressing health disparities rooted in social determinants of health. The chapter is deeply committed to improving the health of the Hispanic community in Arizona through advocacy, education, professional growth, and leadership opportunities for Hispanic nurses.

NAHN Phoenix consistently provides monthly educational opportunities for its members, including Continuing Education Units (CEUs). Recent topics have included Emergency Management in Burn Patients, End-of-Life Care, Improving the Patient Experience, Policy and Health, Suicide Awareness, Male Breast Cancer, and Nursing Innovation.

RECENT HIGHLIGHTS

Community Impact
The NAHN Phoenix Chapter has cultivated strong community partnerships, establishing itself as a visible and trusted resource. Highlights of their community engagement include:

Awards, Grants, and Scholarships:
•    Paired 45 mentees with mentors through the NAHN Unidos Mentorship Program, fostering leadership and collaboration rooted in familismo.
•    Awarded seven scholarships to nursing students in 2023 and hosted "Scholarship Workshop Cafecito" events to assist students with scholarship applications.
•    Received the Premio Corazón Award for Nonprofit of the Year from Valle del Sol Profiles of Success, recognizing their impact on the community.

Key Initiatives:
•    Partnered with Colgate to create the NAHN Phoenix Generating Lasting Oral Wellness (GLOW) program. This initiative educated 65 members, including students, nurses, and advanced nurse practitioners, empowering them to continue disseminating oral health education. NAHN Phoenix also educated nursing students at the annual student nurse association convention, participated in 11 community events, and led five group sessions, including ones tailored for Spanish learners and young adults with intellectual disabilities.
•    Through the Healthy Baby Campaign, NAHN Phoenix partnered with organizations such as TAPI and Maricopa Public Health to address childhood vaccination gaps exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The chapter educated community members at seven local events. 

Educational and Advocacy Efforts:
•    Provided subject matter experts for panels, presentations, and media interviews during events such as NAHN Hill Day, Univision segments, Arizona Red Cross events, the National Bariatric Conference, the Hispanic Leadership Institute, and the Climate Change and Public Health Event.
•    Collaborated with All of Us Research, ResearchMatch, and Mayo Clinic Arizona to share information and encourage underrepresented groups to join research databases, improving health outcomes.

Key Partnerships:
•    Partnered with the American Diabetes Association for Project Power, enrolling over 100 community members in programs to reduce their risk or manage type 2 diabetes. The chapter also participated in a docuseries aimed at educating and empowering the community to prevent diabetes.
•    Worked with the Red Cross Arizona to host blood drives and conduct bilingual news interviews promoting blood donation. Additionally, the chapter participated in Sound the Alarm events, installing smoke alarms and providing fire safety education in Spanish-speaking communities.

Community Engagement:
•    Participated in events such as the American Heart Association Heart Walk, Pancreatic Cancer Walk, NAHN Phoenix Blood Drive, the Annual Healthy Fall Festival & Turkey Giveaway, and the Holiday Heart event with Valle del Sol.
•    President Ashley Merida and President-Elect Cassandra Perez graduated from the Hispanic Leadership Institute. As part of a group project, they coordinated the first Movimiento Family Fun Run & Resource Fair.
•    Disseminated over 25 educational posts across social media platforms, promoting health awareness and prevention.
•    The NAHN Phoenix Chapter exemplifies dedication to community health, equity, and the professional development of its members. Their continued efforts in advocacy, collaboration, and education make a lasting impact on the Hispanic community in Arizona.

One community partner who nominated the NAHN Phoenix Chapter shared:

"By offering scholarships, facilitating networking, providing mentoring, and granting access to vital resources, NAHN Phoenix actively contributes to enhancing educational and economic factors that influence health outcomes. They support students facing financial challenges and first-generation graduates, recognizing the profound impact of socioeconomic status and education on health disparities. The creation of the Karen para la Comunidad Scholarship, specifically for DACA students, exemplifies their dedication to addressing the impact disparities have on healthcare. NAHN Phoenix actively educates and advocates for informed policy decisions that affect the Hispanic community. They engage in policy advocacy, recognizing the role of systemic policies in influencing health and striving to address disparities faced by historically marginalized groups.”