Health Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Specialty Interest Group

I am humbled and honored to serve as the Co-chair for the newly formed AANP Community: Health Equity, Diversity and Inclusion SIG. My life’s work has revolved around removing barriers to health care opportunities for diverse and underserved communities. I applaud AANP’s willingness to embrace the challenge of fostering diversity and inclusivity throughout the organization, which can transfer to the patient population we serve. As advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), we must be prepared to provide quality health care services to our patients, regardless of race, gender, ethnicity or socioeconomic status. Because our current health care environment is dynamic and facing multiple environmental changes, many brought on by COVID-19, APRNs are in key positions to affect the needed leadership through effective communication, collaboration and cooperation. This SIG provides a start for the membership to exchange those ideas that will strengthen capacity within AANP regardless of geographic boundaries. I accept this challenge.

I am honored to serve as Co-chair of the AANP Community: Health Equity, Diversity and Inclusion SIG. I have always held a special interest in the health care needs of diverse communities of patients. I am the Lead Clinician for Diversity and Inclusion for more than 140 offices of the Northeast Medical Group, where I maintain a large LGBTQIA+ practice and serve as an educator, mentor and support systemwide to all clinicians and staff. I share my passion on this topic at many conferences, universities and hospitals nationwide and am delighted that AANP has recognized the value of a SIG for other like-minded NPs. I look forward to serving as a resource and invite you to become a part of this group that will help improve this important and growing aspect of patient care.