FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE/August 28, 1996 CONTACT: Sara Foer [202-651-7023] American Nurses Association Holds Luncheon For Democratic Nurse DelegatesHHS Secretary Shalala, First and Only Nurse in Congress, and Other Key Officials Laud Nurses' ContributionsChicago -- The American Nurses Association (ANA) hosted a luncheon today during the Democratic National Convention to recognize nurse delegates, friends of nursing, and key White House and Congressional officials. Also in attendance were members from many of ANA's 53 constituent nurses associations. In introducing Donna E. Shalala, Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), ANA President Beverly L. Malone, PhD, RN, FAAN, pointed out that the ANA and HHS have been working together for some time and look forward to continuing this synergistic relationship during the next four years. Shalala brought the crowd of about 100 to cheers when she began her speech with a definitive statement that a nurse would one day be President of the United States. "Nursing has become so significant and has become a political power," she continued. "We take your ideas.. and the issues of quality...seriously." Heads in the crowd nodded in agreement as Shalala followed with a question that many registered nurses (RNs) have asked themselves repeatedly as hospitals and heath care facilities restructure in the name of cost-savings rather than safe, quality patient care. "How do we maintain quality during this reorganization of health care?" Throughout her speech, Shalala emphasized that health care for every American is an important goal of the administration. She also touched on many of the same points Hillary Rodham Clinton mentioned last night at the Convention. In particular, Shalala referred to the signing of the Kassebaum-Kennedy health reform bill (HR 3103) as a major step in health care and a foundation on which to build future bipartisan legislation and endeavors. Supported by ANA, the bill will protect employees who possess health insurance against "job lock," so that their health insurance can be maintained if they leave or lose their jobs. In highlighting many of Clinton's health plans, Shalala also alluded to the impending introduction on Thursday night of Clinton's job creation plan, stating that it is "government's role to strengthen abilities of families." Carrying through on the thread of her speech, Shalala concluded by confirming the administration's support of health care. "We will not back off on our intended goal that every American has quality health care," she stated to a standing ovation. Texas Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-30th), who is the first and only nurse to be elected to Congress, commenced by correcting some of the biographical information that described her as a former nurse. "Once a nurse, always a nurse," she informed the crowd. Johnson echoed many of the sentiments of Shalala. "We must work together. We must have influence on health care." Other speakers included ANA-PAC Chair, Catherine Dodd, MSN, RN, and Michigan Representative Lynn Rivers (D-13th). Rivers was expected to be the last speaker; however, as she finished her remarks, President Clinton's half-brother Roger made a surprise guest appearance on the podium. Roger Clinton, who was signing his book down the hall just a few feet away, rushed in to share with the crowd his accolades for nurses, especially his late mother who was a registered nurse. In addition to Wednesday's luncheon, the ANA, nurse delegates, and representatives from the ANA's constituent nurses associations will be involved in a number of other activities throughout the Convention, including a rally in support of ensuring safe and quality patient care.
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