National Black Nurses Association, Inc.

10/15/2026

Hear from Dr. Dara Skinner as she shares the importance of The Ebony Canal screening and why you should join us for this powerful event!

The National Black Nurses Association Black Maternal Health Equity Committee invites you to experience The Ebony Canal, a compelling documentary that sheds light on the realities of Black maternal and infant health while inspiring awareness, dialogue, and meaningful change.

📅 Sunday, October 25, 2026
🕕 6–9 p.m.
📍 Rutgers University

Don't miss this opportunity to be part of the conversation! Register today: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/national-black-nurses-assoc-bmh-equity-committee-121804528768

10/14/2026

As we count down to NBNA’s 55th Founders’ Day on December 18, 2026, we celebrate the trailblazers who helped shape our legacy! 🎉

Today, we honor NBNA Founder Gloria Rookard, a pioneering nurse, healthcare leader, and advocate for community health.

In 1952, Rookard became one of the first African American graduates of People’s Hospital Nursing School. She went on to serve as head nurse at Akron General Hospital and later became a certified pediatric nurse practitioner.

In 1971, she helped establish the National Black Nurses Association, championing greater representation and opportunities for Black nurses.

Her leadership extended beyond NBNA. In 1982, she founded Universal Nursing Services, Inc., serving as president and CEO for 33 years. She also served as president of the Ohio Pediatric Nurses’ Association and received a presidential appointment from President Jimmy Carter.

Her legacy of leadership, service, and advocacy continues to inspire generations of nurses. 👏

10/13/2026

Join NBNA and BridgeBio for the Don't Pass on Your Heart Health Watch Party as we raise awareness about ATTR-CM, its impact on Black communities, and the importance of recognizing potential warning signs.

Your heart health matters! Don't miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and take charge of your heart health.

Register today: https://nbna.jotform.com/262644753707969

10/09/2026

As we prepare to celebrate our 55th Founders' Day on December 18, 2026, we are honoring the visionary leaders whose dedication and determination laid the foundation for our organization.

This week, we recognize Dr. Lauranne Sams, founding leader and first president of NBNA.

In 1971, Dr. Sams played a pivotal role in establishing NBNA, helping unite Black nurses from across the nation to strengthen their collective voice, advance professional opportunities and advocate for greater representation in nursing. She served as NBNA's first president from 1973 to 1977.

A trailblazer in nursing education, Dr. Sams became the first African American faculty member at Indiana University School of Nursing in 1958. During her 16-year tenure, she championed opportunities for minority nursing students and later served as dean of the School of Nursing at Tuskegee University.

Her contributions continue to be recognized through the Davis-Sams Distinguished Visiting Professorship at Indiana University and NBNA's Dr. Lauranne Sams Scholarship, which supports nursing students pursuing their educational and professional goals.

More than five decades later, Dr. Sams' vision continues to inspire generations of nursing professionals and guide NBNA's commitment to leadership, education and advocacy.

Join us in the weeks leading up to December 18 as we celebrate the founders who helped shape NBNA's history and lasting impact.

10/05/2026

More than 4.1 million health workers now practice with the reassurance that seeking care for conditions won't jeopardize their careers.

We celebrate our Wellbeing First Champions! These 82 licensing boards, 1,087 hospitals, and 3,306 other care facilities are creating psychological safety for their workforce and shifting the culture of healthcare from the inside out.

Because of their leadership, the program reached an incredible milestone in just three years, with a 437% increase in protected health workers since September 2023.

Explore the Champions and join the movement to prioritize health workers' mental health: https://bit.ly/4xQGGbk

10/02/2026

Don’t Pass on Your Heart Health.💖

Join the National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) and BridgeBio for a special film screening and important conversation focused on Black heart health and ATTR-cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CM), an underdiagnosed heart condition.

Date: Monday, October 26, 2026
Arrival & Check-In: 5:30 p.m. ET
Program: 6:30 p.m. ET
Location: NBNA National Headquarters, 8630 Fenton Street, Suite 910, Silver Spring, MD 20910

The film features a candid conversation with Howard H. White, Doug E. Fresh and Sway Calloway, bringing together real stories, heart health education and community perspectives.

Come ready to learn, ask questions and take an active role in your heart health. Space is limited, so register today!

Register now: https://nbna.jotform.com/262644753707969

10/02/2026

The Central Virginia Chapter of the National Black Nurses Association invites you to its 3rd Annual Scholarship Luncheon!

Join the chapter for an inspiring afternoon celebrating nursing excellence, leadership and the next generation of nurse leaders. The luncheon will feature Dr. B. Cameron Webb, MD, JD, Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Health, as the featured speaker, with Joseph D. Wilkins, DPT, MSHA, FACHE, serving as master of ceremonies and a special musical performance by violinist Raymond Lai.

Scan the QR code on the flyer to purchase tickets or register with the link below: https://nbna.memberportal.org/?nd=simple_store_items&page_id=104

09/30/2026

Join NBNA for a Special Screening of The Ebony Canal 🎬

The NBNA Black Maternal Health Equity Committee invites you to a special screening of the award-winning documentary The Ebony Canal: A Story of Black Infant Health, narrated by Viola Davis.

This powerful evening will bring together nurses, health care professionals, and maternal and infant health advocates for meaningful conversation surrounding Black maternal and infant health.

📅 Sunday, October 25, 2026
📍 Rutgers University | Newark, NJ
🥂 Red Carpet VIP Reception: 6–7 p.m.
🎥 Screening & Program: 7–9 p.m.

The evening will feature a screening, panel discussion, reception and music by DJ Wallah of Hot 97.

Register now: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/national-black-nurses-assoc-bmh-equity-committee-121804528768

09/18/2026

Breaking News!

Dr. Sheldon Fields, President of the National Black Nurses Association was interviewed by black radio at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Annual legislative conference, addressing concerns about how changes affecting Medicaid, Medicare, and public health funding impacting communities that are experiencing significant health disparities. He stressed on the importance of preventive care especially concerning Black maternal mortality and other preventable diseases such as measles.

For Dr. Sheldon Fields, improving health outcomes in Black communities requires addressing what happens both inside the doctor's office and on Capitol Hill.

09/01/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us in St. Louis for the 54th Annual Institute & Conference! 🎉

From powerful conversations and meaningful connections to unforgettable celebrations, we are grateful to everyone who made this year’s conference so special.

Want to relive the memories? Conference photos are now available on the NBNA SmugMug! https://nbna1971.smugmug.com/54th-Annual-Institute-and-Conference

Thank you for an incredible conference. We can’t wait to see you next year in New Orleans, August 3 - 8, 2027! ✨