President’s Weekly Message

My message this week has turned from COVID battles, which still continue, to the recent eruption of racial violence and senseless death of George Floyd.

As his family buried him yesterday, we ask ourselves why and what can we do to not let this man die in vain.

How can we be a voice to influence a change, our nation desperately needs?

ANA President Ernest Grant, in his statement on June 1, said:

“The Code of Ethics obligates nurses to be allies and to advocate and speak up against racism, discrimination and injustice. This is non-negotiable. At this critical time in our nation, nurses have a responsibility to use our voices to call for change. To remain silent is to be complicit. I call on you to educate yourself and then use your trusted voice and influence to educate others about the systemic injustices that have caused the riots and protests being covered in the news. We must hold ourselves and our leaders accountable to committing to reforms and action. This pivotal moment calls for each of us to ask ourselves which side of history we want to be on and the legacy we will pass on to future generations.”

Thank you, President Grant for your inspiring words and leadership.

Now is the time to reach out to our legislative representatives, both federal and state, and ask them to commit to addressing reforms in racism and discrimination and basic human rights. Be the voice that makes a difference!

Here is the link for N.J. Legislators

Here is the link for Federal Legislators

Stay safe and stay informed,

Kate Gillespie, MBA RN

President, NJSNA