What an absolutely fabulous 31st NBNA Annual Institute and Conference, July 28–August 3, 2003 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Almost 1300 NBNA members, guests, exhibitors and speakers attended the four day conference around the theme of “Emerging Health Threats: Nursing Solutions in a New Era”. We enjoyed the “warm” and gracious Southern hospitality of the New Orleans community, including the great jazz, divine cuisine and superb cultural activities. NBNA extends a heartfelt debt of gratitude to the NBNA Members of the New Orleans Black Nurses Association and Shreveport Black Nurses Association for their outstanding hospitality and voluntary service during the NBNA Conference. The volunteers were absolutely wonderful at conference registration, as monitors and moderators. They were unflappable and efficient; they were well organized and punctual. And, they always offered assistance, no matter what the circumstance. Many thanks goes to the NBNA Conference Chair Dr. Betty Smith Williams; Conference Program Chair Dr. Daisy Alford Smith; NBNA President Dr. Hilda Richards; Conference Services Manager Dianne Mance and Exhibitor Services Coordinator Dianne Mance; and the national and local conference committees for running a very successful and smooth educational and networking conference. Take a look at the photo album for some pictorial highlights.

Our Nation needs more nurse leaders as researchers. At this year’s conference, NBNA launched the Research Institute. The Institute is a hands-on intensive session for seasoned researchers to mentor young researchers on how to develop fundable research proposals and direct them to the sources of money. Moreover, we will continue to support the efforts of universities and health institutions who seek funding for research and other programmatic efforts around the nursing shortage and improving the health of our Nation’s citizens. We are pleased with our collaboration with Catholic University, UCLA and University of Maryland; with Options, a community based organization in Oakland, CA headed by Ophelia Long, and with Cedars Sinai Department of Nursing, headed by Dr. Linda Burnes Bolton.

The evening Opening Ceremony was highlighted by the Opening Keynote speaker Ron Williams, President of Aetna. Mr. Williams spoke of the Aetna leveraging its world class technology capabilities to help consumers better understand and access healthcare, and make service simpler and more efficient. He believes that Aetna provides members and physicians with credible health information to assist them in making informed healthcare decisions. These initiatives will enhance Aetna’s ability to rapidly respond to an ever-changing marketplace with innovative products and services.

NBNA presented the NBNA Life Time Achievement Award to May L. Wykle, PhD, RN, FAAN, FGSA, Dean and Florence Cellar Professor of Nursing at the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing in Cleveland, OH and the President of Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society. Dr. Wykle was the Closing Session Keynote Speaker. Her address was entitled “Living with Old Age Health Disparities: Caring for Minority Elders”. Dr. Wykle discussed the health care implications of an increasing aging society, particularly as a record number of baby boomers will hit the age of 65 by 2020. Based on the current nursing crisis, she stated that there will not be enough nurses to take care of the elderly; there will not be enough African American or Latino providers to take care of their communities; and there will be long waiting periods for surgical procedures because of the nursing shortage. She identified the health issues confronting minority elders including multiple chronic diseases, the high cost of prescription drugs, access to primary care providers, adequate housing, appropriate social services and social outlets. Dr. Wykle analyzed the feasibility of establishing a community care net for elders and their caregivers. Such a community care net requires new solutions and practices to overcome the effects of unequal treatment on the quality of life for seniors.

NBNA awarded nine scholarships to NBNA members based on scholastic achievement, leadership, community service and financial need. The NBNA would like to thank the NBNA Board of Directors, Mayo Clinic Foundation, Nursing Spectrum Magazine, Kaiser Permanente, Maria Dudley and NBNA members for their generous contributions to the NBNA Scholarship Program and for their continued support in helping student nurses pursue their nursing education.

NBNA would like to welcome members of the Triad National Black Nurses Association of Cabarrus County, NC as the newest chartered chapter of the National Black Nurses Association.

The largest number of exhibitors at an NBNA Exhibit Showcase, 138; up from 125 in 2002; exhibited their products, information and services in a wide range of industries including schools and colleges of nursing, health care systems, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, publishers, communications companies, medical equipment and clothing. There were 51 first time exhibitors and 32 exhibitors who have exhibited with NBNA for five or more years.

The NBNA Conference 2004 in San Francisco, CA promises to be just as rewarding, so start making plans now to join us August 4 – 8. The well-known diversity in San Francisco sets it apart from all the rest. The City's restaurants, shops, theaters, art galleries, museums and, above all, its people hold the key to unique visitor experiences. Take advantage of this opportunity to absorb the warmth and unique spirit of San Francisco and the National Black Nurses Association.

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