National Black Nurses Association, Inc.

The National Black Nurses Association, Inc. (NBNA) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to addressing the health care needs of the Black community through collective action by African American nurses.

History

The seeds of NBNA were sown in the late 1960s and early 1970s as part of the broader Civil Rights Movement in the United States. During this period, Black nurses felt underrepresented and excluded from leadership positions within professional nursing organizations, such as the American Nurses Association (ANA). The catalyst for NBNA's formation was a meeting in Miami, Florida, where Dr. Lauranne Sams was tasked by a group of Black nurses attending an ANA convention to maintain communication among them[1][2].

On December 18-19, 1971, a pivotal meeting took place at the home of Dr. Mary Harper in Cleveland, Ohio. This gathering of Black nurses from across the nation culminated in the unanimous decision to establish the National Black Nurses Association[1][3]. The organization officially incorporated on September 6, 1972, in Ohio[2][4].

Mission and Objectives

The primary mission of NBNA is to provide a forum for collective action by African American nurses to advocate for and implement strategies ensuring access to high-quality healthcare for people of color[4]. The organization focuses on several key areas:

• Education: Encouraging nursing education and promoting academic excellence among Black nursing students.
• Leadership: Advocating for the inclusion of Black nurses in leadership positions within the nursing profession.
• Research: Promoting studies focused on the health needs of Black communities.
• Unity: Unifying Black nurses to improve healthcare outcomes for people of color[3][4].

Activities

NBNA offers a range of services, including:

• Health Screenings: Providing screenings for conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and HIV to underserved communities.
• Education Programs: Conducting continuing education programs for nurses and allied health professionals.
• Scholarships: Offering annual scholarships to nursing students.
• Collaborations: Partnering with public and private organizations to improve health outcomes for African Americans and other minority groups[3][4].

NBNA also played a founding role in the National Coalition of Ethnic Minority Nurse Associations, aiming to give a stronger voice to nurses of color nationwide[5].

Structure

NBNA has grown to represent approximately 200,000 African American nurses from the United States, Canada, the Eastern Caribbean, and Africa. It operates through 115 chartered chapters across the nation, providing a supportive network for Black nurses to address health disparities[4].