Each year from May 6th to May 12th, we observe Nurses’ Week, a time dedicated to recognizing the invaluable contributions of nurses across the nation. The theme chosen by the American Nurses Association for 2024, “Nurses Make the Difference,” aptly highlights the critical role nurses play in enhancing our lives through various capacities.

 

At CommUnityCare Health Centers, this theme resonates profoundly as it reflects the broad spectrum of essential services our nurses provide. Their roles extend beyond traditional care to include health promotion, education, disease prevention, emergency response, and advocacy for health equity—particularly for vulnerable populations.

 

This year is especially significant as it marks the 22nd consecutive year that nurses have been named the most honest and ethical professionals in the Gallup poll. Such recognition underscores the trust and respect that nurses command in our society.

 

Nurses’ Week also provides an opportunity to celebrate the historical achievements within the nursing profession. One notable figure is Brigadier General Hazel Johnson-Brown, a trailblazer who became the first Black female general and the first Black chief of the United States Army Nurse Corps. Despite encountering racial barriers in the 1940s, she pursued her passion for nursing and later made significant contributions to the field, including her role as the director of the Walter Reed Army Medical Center and her impactful work at George Mason University, where she helped establish the Center for Health Policy, Research, and Ethics.

 

Brigadier General Johnson-Brown’s legacy continued beyond her passing in 2011, with the U.S. House of Representatives honoring her with a Joint Resolution for her dedication to the nursing profession and the U.S. Army.

 

As we celebrate Nurses’ Week, let us extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the nurses at CommUnityCare, whose daily commitment and dedication reflect why they remain the most trusted professionals. To my colleagues, I urge you to take a moment this week to express your appreciation for the nurses’ tireless efforts in advancing care and services for our organization and community. Their dedication not only supports the health of individuals but also strengthens the entire healthcare system, proving that indeed, “Nurses Make the Difference.”