AACN Board Chair Ann Cary Testifies Before House Appropriations Subcommittee

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 26, 2018 — Today, Dr. Ann Cary, Chair of the Board of Directors of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), will testify before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies. With more than 100 requests to testify received, the selection of Dr. Cary to appear before the Subcommittee demonstrates AACN's strong commitment to elevating the voice of academic nursing at the federal level. Specifically, Dr. Cary will request increased investments in the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Programs and the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR).

These programs received marked increases in the Fiscal Year 2018 Consolidated Appropriations Act, and AACN's testimony will provide a strong rationale for why continued support of nursing education and research will have a strong economic and societal return on investment.

Dr. Cary is a living example of how the federal government's investments directly impact nurses. Receiving federal funding as both a student and securing her own grants later in her career, she has witnessed their power in supporting countless underrepresented, disadvantaged, and first generation nursing students to succeed in the profession and provide exceptional health care.

"My long career as a nurse and academic leader was made possible by an investment from the federal government. In my early 20s, I received a federal nurse traineeship as I was undertaking my master's degree in public health nursing. This traineeship allowed me to pursue my graduate degree so I could focus on a role I believe is most powerful in shaping the future—nurse educator,"

said Dr. Cary

Dr. Cary's testimony will provide powerful context for how the nursing workforce and research are essential to reshaping American health care. The system is growing increasingly complex as new technology continues to emerge, cost-containment measures are put into place, and access to quality care is at risk. Support for reinventing health care must be sustained along with investments in scientific discoveries that address population needs and public health priorities. Nurses are key to transforming health care and protecting the health of the nation.

"AACN is honored to have Dr. Cary provide testimony at a time when academic nursing is working with our partners to prepare a workforce ready to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow," said Dr. Deborah Trautman, AACN President and Chief Executive Officer. "We applaud the work of Congressional appropriators who have recognized the value of nursing professionals through their policy and spending actions."

The association will continue to work with our Nursing Community Coalition partners and Congress to ensure that investments in the nursing workforce and research are, and remain, a top priority as the demand for high-quality, cost-effective health care persists.

Read Dr. Cary's full testimony here. Watch the webcast recording. 

Watch the photo slideshow, below.