State nurses association initiatives build on community ties.
In June 2024, the American Nurses Association took a significant step forward in addressing racism within the nursing profession by awarding funds to 12 of its constituent and state nurses associations (C/SNAs) in support of their efforts to take on racism and promote racial reconciliation. As part of a competitive request for proposal process, each organization received $8,000 to implement projects that use evidence-based strategies to dismantle racism in nursing in four pathways: organizational racial reckoning; education, immersion, and training; advocacy and legislation; and diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging (DEIAB) initiatives (bit.ly/41cbDu3).
C/SNAs have long occupied the forefront of advocacy and education, and their initiatives hold a unique position to create meaningful change on the ground. With deep ties to local healthcare systems, educational institutions, and community health providers, C/SNAs can tailor their approaches to meet the specific needs of their communities and ensure that antiracism efforts remain effective and sustainable. Because of these extensive ties, they play vital roles as convenors and facilitators of conversations around race and healthcare. C/SNAs also serve as powerful advocates for state- and institutional-level policy changes.
The 12 funded projects exemplify the diversity of C/SNAs’ approaches to addressing racism within their communities and the profession at large. They also serve as a testament to the power of grassroots efforts in creating lasting change. For example, the Arizona Nurses Association has partnered with local cultural nursing organizations to create a podcast series about the cultural aspects of death and dying and the need for culturally competent care, particularly in communities where beliefs about death and the afterlife differ from Western medical norms.
The Arkansas Nurses Association aims to create a culture of inclusion within healthcare through a multiday educational program that engages nurses, healthcare partners, and nursing schools to develop a toolkit that nurses can use to advocate for anti-racism practices within their organizations.
Meanwhile, the Delaware Nurses Association is taking a historical approach to ensure that the lessons of the past inform the work of the future. Collaborating with the Delaware Historical Society, the association will document the history of racism within the nursing profession in Delaware. This project will culminate with an annual DEIAB nursing conference to serve as a space for ongoing conversations about racial justice, equity, and inclusion in the profession.
Focusing on education and mentorship, the Georgia Nurses Association is developing a series of seminars, training sessions, and mentorship programs aimed at healthcare leaders and community health providers. This project intends to raise awareness about racial equity and social justice within the nursing community, thereby equipping nurses with the skills to recognize and address systemic racism, which in turn will build a more diverse and equitable healthcare system.
In the advocacy and legislation realm, the Maryland Nurses Association is working to amend state public health law to mandate not just implicit bias training but also anti-racism education for nurses. When nurses receive antiracism training, they’re better equipped to provide culturally competent care, address health disparities, and advocate for policies that support diverse patient populations.
All 12 C/SNA initiatives have the potential for lasting impact. As these projects unfold, they’ll play a crucial role in shaping the future of nursing in the United States. Through their leadership, education, and advocacy, these organizations help to build a more equitable and just healthcare system—one where racism no longer has a place and where all nurses, regardless of their background, can thrive.
Sandy Cayo is a consultant to the National Commission to Address Racism in Nursing.
American Nurse Journal. 2025; 20(1). Doi: 10.51256/ANJ012551
