Tri-Council for Nursing Issues Urgent Appeal to Support Nurses in India

Donations Urged to Help Meet Desperate Nationwide  Need for Oxygen and Other Medical Supplies 

WASHINGTON, D.C., May 7, 2021 – With reports of daily COVID-related deaths averaging 2,600 and new infections averaging 350,000, the Indian subcontinent is under siege. The World Health Organization has put the total number of confirmed cases there at more than 20 million.

Despite the country’s earlier success in controlling a widespread outbreak, India is now facing a frightening reversal of fortune. Variants are spreading rapidly and vaccination distribution is progressing slowly. Shortages of oxygen and other medical supplies, like personal protective equipment (PPE) and test kits, along with understaffed hospitals, are contributing to the growing sense of desperation.

To help alleviate the current crisis and support the Indian nursing community, the Tri-Council for Nursing is issuing an urgent appeal for nurses and professional health care associations throughout the U.S. to join the fundraising initiative launched by the National Association of Indian Nurses of America (NAINA). NAINA has pledged to utilize all funds collected to assist the public health system in India and its network of non-governmental agencies in responding to the immediate medical and other needs of underprivileged individuals and families most severely impacted by the pandemic and impoverished communities most lacking in resources. 

The leaders of the five organizations of the Tri-Council — American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), American Nurses Association (ANA), American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL), National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), and National League for Nursing (NLN) — who also have made personal contributions, are reaching out to their general memberships to raise awareness and support. 

Donations to the NAINA appeal may be made directly on the organization’s verified GoFundMe page. 

In addition, the following organizations are also accepting donations: 

• Indian Red Cross Society
• Oxfam India
• Unicef
• Hope Foundation

For more information about the Tri-Council for Nursing, visit TriCouncilForNursing.org.

The Tri-Council for Nursing is an alliance between the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, the American Nurses Association, the American Organization for Nursing Leadership, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, and the National League for Nursing. While each organization has its own constituent membership and unique mission, they are united by common values and convene regularly for the purpose of dialogue and consensus building, to provide stewardship within the profession of nursing.

These organizations represent nurses in practice, nurse executives and nursing educators. The Tri-Council’s diverse interests encompass the nursing work environment, health care legislation, and policy, quality of health care, nursing education, practice, research and leadership across all segments of the health delivery system. 

 About the American Association of Colleges of Nursing 

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) is the national voice for academic nursing representing nearly 840 schools of nursing, more than 50,000 nurse faculty, and more than 560,000 nursing students nationwide. AACN establishes quality standards for nursing education, influences the nursing profession to improve health care, and promotes public support of baccalaureate and graduate nursing education, research, and practice. Learn more at www.aacnnursing.org.

About the American Nurses Association

The American Nurses Association (ANA) is the premier organization representing the interests of the nation's 4.2 million registered nurses. ANA advances the profession by fostering high standards of nursing practice, promoting a safe and ethical work environment, bolstering the health and wellness of nurses, and advocating on health care issues that affect nurses and the public. ANA is at the forefront of improving the quality of health care for all. For more information, visit www.nursingworld.org. 

About the American Organization for Nursing Leadership

As the national professional organization of more than 10,000 nurse leaders, the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL) is the voice of nursing leadership. Our membership encompasses nurse leaders working in hospitals, health systems, academia and other care settings across the care continuum. Since 1967, the organization has led the field of nursing leadership through professional development, advocacy and research that advances nursing leadership practice and patient care. AONL is an affiliate of the American Hospital Association. For more information, visit www.AONL.org.

About NCSBN

Founded March 15, 1978, as an independent not-for-profit organization, NCSBN was initially created to lessen the burdens of state governments and bring together nursing regulatory bodies (NRBs) to act and counsel together on matters of common interest. It has evolved into one of the leading voices of regulation across the world. NCSBN’s membership is comprised of the NRBs in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and four U.S. territories — American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands and the Virgin Islands. There are three exam user members. There are also 27 associate members that are either NRBs or empowered regulatory authorities from other countries or territories. Mission: NCSBN empowers and supports nursing regulators in their mandate to protect the public.

About the NLN

Dedicated to excellence in nursing, the National League for Nursing is the premier organization for nurse faculty and leaders in nursing education. The NLN offers professional development, networking opportunities, testing services, nursing research grants, and public policy initiatives to its nearly 45,000 individual and 1,100 institutional members, comprising nursing education programs across the spectrum of higher education and health care organizations. Learn more at NLN.org.