AL-HAC is pleased to announce that, on August 31, 2016, the Greater Birmingham Chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHA) was officially chartered. After years of dedicated hard work, a group of enthusiastic registered nurses, license practical nurses, nursing students and nurse leaders from the Birmingham metro area and surrounding counties accomplished this long awaited goal. Dr. Martha A. Dawson, ALHAC Diversity Committee Chair and Dr. Grace Grau, member were two of the nine charter members for the establishment of this historical chapter. Drs. Dawson and Grau acknowledge the support from AL-HAC and the University of Alabama at Birmingham both sponsored nurses and students membership, and attendance at the annual conference in 2015 and 2016.

Dr. Dawson has been working toward Alabama having its first NAHA chapter since early 2009. Dr. Dawson’s first conversation about starting the chapter was with Ms. Yaricet Matos Ramos a nursing student at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Ms. Ramos has since graduated from her BSN program, and she has earned a master’s degree as a nurse practitioner. Now, 7 years later, the work has finally paid off! Congratulations to Greater Birmingham NAHN!

The Greater Birmingham NAHN Chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses is located in Birmingham, Alabama. This group of nursing professionals and nursing students are working to improve the health of the Hispanic population in Alabama. Another significant goal of the members is to increase the number of Hispanics men and women entering the healthcare field, particularly nursing. The goal of increasing diversity in Alabama nursing workforce is aligned with Al-HAC, Future of Nursing Campaign and the 2010 IOM report.

Please visit https://alnahn.nursingnetwork.com/  for more information about this organization.