Alliance of Black Nurses Association of Oregon (ABNAO) is a safe space for Black nurses to speak freely, honestly, and without interruption.
“WE ARE THE CHANGE WE HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR”
-Barack Obama
What We Do
Alliance of Black Nurses Association of Oregon (ABNAO) is investing in our community and the future by helping every nurse excel and achieve greatness.
We aim to close the health inequity gap by promoting Black Oregonians' wellness through collaborative partnerships, advocacy, increased visibility, and mentorship of current and prospective Black nurses.
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“ABNAO has helped me finally find a safe space to be me, share my story, and provided me with an outlet to help my community while also providing me the opportunity to grow personally and professionally”
Tanisha Jarvis
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“ I am grateful for ABNAO and the sense of community, support, professional development, and leadership development it has provided. ABNAO is the first space that feels completely safe to be me, process what it means to be Black in the field of nursing, and celebrate Black excellence.”
Debra Marie Bridges-Rhoads
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“So often I am the only Black person in my workspace. I value that with ABNAO I have found a community of Black nurses I can learn, work, debrief, mourn, process, celebrate, and elevate the nursing profession forward with.”
Megan Ludeña MN, RNC-OB, NPD-BC
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“I am so grateful to have found ABNAO and to be a member of such a unique and powerful organization. We are getting out into the community (schools, events, public health clinics) and seeing how important representation is in improving health equity. The fellowship I’ve experienced through working with the extraordinary ABNAO members has improved my understanding and advocacy.”
Kendra Howard RN, BSN, RNC-OB
Become a member of ABNAO today and be part of our supportive, exciting, and diverse community of nurses and nursing students!
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Upcoming Events
“We offer culturally informed community healthcare support throughout Oregon at schools, community events, and celebrations.”
We are committed to serving our members, our communities, and our state-wide network of supporters. Stay connected by visiting our events calendar and following us on Instagram and Facebook
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Willesha E. Wade Scholarship
“She was known by hundreds of patients, employees, & community members.”
The Alliance of Black Nurses Association of Oregon is honored to offer the Willesha E. Wade Scholarship in memorial of our beloved nurse and member of our community, Willesha. This scholarship is awarded to unlicensed nursing students pursuing an associate or baccalaureate degree in nursing.
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Mini Nurse Academy
“A Child Educated is a Family Elevated”
The NBNA Early Experiential Mini Nurse Academy is a pre-nursing program that targets elementary school-age students from traditionally underrepresented groups. The program aims to increase awareness of nursing as a career option and provide hands-on healthcare-related experiential learning.
