Abstract
The 2022 National Association of School Nurses (NASN) Annual Conference, Connecting Health Equity and Student Success, is offering three registration options: in person, virtual, and bundled (combined in person and virtual; NASN, 2022c). The in-person session will be held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia, June 27–30, and we are so excited to hold an “in person” conference this year!! The conference provides educational, leadership, and networking opportunities for school nurses from across the country, as well as internationally. The Endowment Fundraising Committee will continue to host various events throughout the in-person and virtual conference to raise funds for this important cause.
The NASN Endowment Fund
The NASN Endowment Fund was established to provide meaningful school nurse research grants and educational scholarships to advance school nursing and school health practice. School nurses and other professionals may apply for these research grants (NASN, 2022b) and scholarships (NASN, 2022a). Recipients are announced at the NASN Annual Conference. The 2022 endowment scholarship award winners are as follows:
Franca Burton, Ohio
Bertha Cavazos, Texas
Kristina Gagner, Oregon
Monica Lazara Amador, Florida
Lynn Lucivero, New York
Panna Lynch-Jarussi, Alaska
The NASN Endowment Fundraising Committee is dedicated to growing the Endowment with the intent of funding more research grants to advance the evidence-based practice school nurse practice and more scholarships to school nurses for advancement of their education.
2022 Fundraising Events
Satchels and Purses for Nurses
The Endowment Fundraising Committee will once again offer this very popular event. Each NASN Affiliate and NASN Past President will be asked to donate a satchel or purse. The bags will be on display and available for bidding during specified conference hours. On the last day of the conference, the attendee with the highest bid will be notified and asked to come and claim the bag. We always have amazing bags up for bid, and we appreciate the support of our affiliates and past presidents to make this event a success. See Photo 1.
NASN’s President’s Endowment Challenge Theme
Annual Scarf Sale
The Endowment Fundraising Committee continues the tradition of designing a scarf that matches the theme of the annual conference. The 2022 scarf has beautiful blues and pinks with some peach/coral colors thrown in as well. The scarves are $20.00 and will be available for sale at the Satchels and Purses for Nurses booth. All proceeds from the sales go to the NASN Endowment Fund.
President’s Challenge: Transform Student Health Equity
NASN President, Linda Mendonca challenges all 2022 conference attendees both in-person and virtual, school nurses and friends of school nurses to donate to her NASN President Endowment Fund Challenge—Transform Student Health Equity (see Figure 1). By donating to this fund, you will help every student obtain equitable access to the health care they deserve. One of NASN’s goals is to pursue health, education, and social equity for students through shared leadership. Please join us in making this challenge a reality. No donation is too small!! You can donate by visiting https://my.nasn.org/donate-now.
2019 Purses for Nurses—Denver, CO
School nurses care for acute and chronically ill children on a daily basis. We are experts in immunization and general health education, case management, medication management, health screenings, emergency preparedness, trauma informed care, and holistic care. School nurses also continue to lead the way in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. School nurses have organized vaccine clinics and administered the vaccine to their students, while continuing to contact trace and educate families about the pandemic. School nurses have authored protocols, guidelines, and policies to assist schools as they navigate their way through the pandemic.
The Endowment Fundraising Committee firmly believes that now, more than ever, it is imperative that school nursing research grants and educational scholarships continue to support and improve the practice of school nursing. We thank you for your generosity and encourage you to continue to support the NASN Endowment Fund as you are able. Working together, we truly are “Connecting Health Equity and Student Success.” ■
Footnotes
Wendy began her school nursing career in 2005. Since 2013, she has served as the Nursing Coordinator for the Natrona County School District. She also serves as the NASN Director from Wyoming and as the Endowment Fundraising Committee Co-Chair.
Julia has more than 40 years of nursing experience. She began her school nursing career in 1999. Julia is the past president of the Michigan Association of School Nurses and the current Michigan NASN Director. She also serves as the Endowment Fundraising Committee Co-Chair.