2017 Maryland Nurses Association Annual Convention

2017 Maryland Nurses Association
MARYLAND NURSES ASSOCIATION
Juliana Chang, DNA 3 Rep for MNA BODs; Saisa Neel, appointed as Director
at Large. We honored our out going officers as well. We are so thankful for all
they were able to accomplish during their term!! Deborah Campbell, president;
Donna Downing-Corddry, secretary; Cindy Bennoit, DNA 3 Rep for MNA BODs.
January 2017 meeting was conducted via conference call with approval of dates for meetings.
Several DNA 3 members are planning to go to Nurses’ Night in Annapolis in February.
DNA 3 was represented at Nurses’ Night in Annapolis on February 20th. We had the great fortune of
good weather! Senator John Astle graciously provided us with an hour of his time, and we were very
grateful that House Delegate Michael E. Busch’s legislative aide, Kaila K. Thompson was willing to
listen to nursing issues, especially in regards to HJ 9/SJ 9 – Protection of the Affordable Care Act.
House Delegate Herb McMillan was only available briefly and stated that he could not support MNA
position on the healthcare legislation.
March’s meeting began with a potluck dinner hosted by the district president at her home. We were
honored to have MNA President, Kathy Ogle present. Thank you Kathy! Thanks to all in attendance.
It was very nice to meet face to face.
MNA Leadership Day, April 1st presided by DNA 3 member Kathy Ogle, MNA President, along with
D. Downing-Corddry and J. Chang.
National Nurses’ Week was celebrated in May by members hosting a table during the Anne
Arundel Medical Center’s Nurses’ Fair. We raffled off 2 baskets, donated by C. Bennoit’s mom once
again, THANK YOU Carol Lyons!! We had “guess the amount in the candy jar” game, gift bags
with a ballpoint pen, candy and DNA 3 business card, displayed membership information, ANA
publications, and copies of The Maryland Nurse. We received 90+ visitors to our table as evidence by
we ran out of raffle tickets and gift bags!! Thanks to all who made this a success, especially Deanna
Leone, who made a special trip to MNA office for the banner, and donated items for the gift bags!
June began with a conference call meeting on the 5th. We discussed submission of a ballot of
officers for Vice President, Treasurer, and DNA 3 Rep to MNA Committee on Nominations. MNA
office will handle mailing of our ballots and MNA Committee of Tellers will handle the tallying of
results. Other items of discussion include taking a tour of St. Paul’s Homeless Shelter in Baltimore
to volunteer. We continue to make arrangements for our Annual Business meeting in November, and
make plans for a DNA 3 social event such as a trip to African American Museum in Washington, D.C.
We finish off the year with D. Downing-Corddry representing us at ANA’s Hill Day, June 8th,
Washington, D.C. The largest attended ANA lobby day thus far! Meetings were set up for us
according to our voting district, MD-03. Congress members visited were Sen. Chris Van Hollen,
Sen. Ben Cardin, and Rep. John Sarbanes. We were given a very warm welcome and genuine
support of the following legislations: S. 445/H.R. 1825; Title VIII Nursing Authorization Act – S.
1109/H.R. 959; The Registered Nurse Safe Staffing Act; Health Care Reform. Go to ANA’s website
to view the group photo on the Capitol building steps! Such a inspirational day!
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