September 1, 2005
The Honorable Michael O. Leavitt
Secretary of Health and Human Services
Department of Health and Human Services
Hubert H. Humphrey Building
200 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20201
Dear Secretary Leavitt:
During this time of need, the American Nurses Association (ANA) wishes to offer our assistance in helping to respond to the call for assistance from our colleagues and fellow citizens in the states affected by Hurricane Katrina. ANA, its nursing organizational affiliates and its constituent member associations across the country are willing and ABLE to assist in recruiting nursing assets for deployment. Through NursingWorld.org, and other electronic mechanisms, ANA has the ability to reach out to the nursing community to provide updated recruitment information, encourage action, and keep nurses apprised of the changing situation.
Please do not hesitate to contact me at 301-628-5011 or Barbara.blakeney@ana.org if there is anyway that we can be of assistance to the Department of Health and Human Services. You may also contact Ms. Blakeney’s Executive Assistant, Gisele Marshall at 301-628-5016 or gisele.marshall@ana.org.
Again, the nation’s registered nurses stand ready to assist when called upon for action.
Sincerely,
Barbara A. Blakeney, MS, RN
President
cc: Linda J. Stierle, MSN, RN, CNAA,BC
Chief Executive Officer
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