As the President of the Missouri Nurses Association, I want to make it unequivocally clear that our organization is committed to fostering a healthcare environment that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive for all. We believe that every individual, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or any other characteristic, deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and compassion.

Racism, bigotry, and discrimination have no place in our profession or in our communities. We are committed to embodying a profession that reflects the diverse populations we serve. Nurses are on the front lines of healthcare, and we understand the profound impact that diversity, equity, and inclusion have on patient care and community health outcomes.

We stand firm in our resolve to challenge and eliminate racism and discrimination wherever they may exist—whether in the workplace, in our schools, or in our healthcare systems. Together, we will continue to advocate for policies and practices that promote fairness, equality, and opportunity for all, as we ensure that every nurse, patient, and community member feels seen, heard, and valued.

Sincerely,

Cynthia Aurentz, DNP, MSN, RN, CNE
President, Missouri Nurses Association!