For Immediate Release
March 23, 2023
RALEIGH, N.C. – Hundreds of nurses and nursing students will be gathering at the North Carolina General Assembly (NCGA) next week, for a day of networking, continuing education, and advocacy as part of the 2023 Nurses Day at the Legislature. Headlining the educational portion of the day will be a keynote address by Kody Kinsley, Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.
The day will begin at the Raleigh Convention Center, after which attendees will walk to the NCGA for a rally on the Halifax Mall, where they will be joined by various legislators. The crowd will then break into small groups to attend legislative sessions and committee hearings and to visit with legislators and staff.
The North Carolina Nurses Association is organizing this biannual event, which will be in-person for the first time since 2019, due to the COVID pandemic.
“We cannot wait to be back in force at the General Assembly. This has always been a phenomenal event, and it has been far too long since we had the chance to overrun Jones Street with hundreds of lab coats,” said NCNA President Meka D. Ingram, DNP, RN, NE-BC. “Nurses, more than almost any profession, have shouldered such a big burden over the last few years. It is absolutely critical that we show legislators we care about the process and demonstrate the importance of passing bills that improve the profession, improve patient care, and help lead Nursing Forward® for the benefit of all North Carolinians.”
A large percentage of the crowd will be students, as nursing schools from across the state take advantage of the opportunity to demonstrate the importance of nurses participating in policy discussions. Among the healthcare issues that nurses plan to discuss with legislators on Tuesday are the SAVE Act, Medicaid expansion, school nurse funding, and workforce and workplace concerns.
Sponsoring schools include:
Other organizations partnering with NCNA on Nurses Day at the Legislature include:
MEDIA CONTACT
Chris Cowperthwaite, APR
Director of Communications & Outreach
(919) 821-4250 or chriscowperthwaite@ncnurses.org
ABOUT NCNA
As the leading professional organization for North Carolina’s registered nurses, we equip nurses at all stages to thrive in an ever-changing healthcare environment. NCNA helps keep North Carolina nurses on the cutting edge of nursing practice, policy, education, and more. Join us as we work to advance nursing and ensure high-quality healthcare for everyone.
Established in 1902, NCNA provides continuing education, networking and legislative advocacy for registered nurses throughout North Carolina. For more information, please visit www.ncnurses.org.
MISSION STATEMENT
The North Carolina Nurses Association serves the changing needs of its members, addresses nursing issues, and advocates for the health and well-being of all people.
