Nursing Legislative Forum Fosters Dialogue on Health Care Legislation
On Monday, September 28th, Advocate Trinity Hospital, located at 2320 E. 93rd Street in Chicago, hosted its fourth annual nurse legislative forum. The event featured local Illinois State Senator Donne E. Trotter of the 17th district, Illinois State Representatives Marlow H. Colvin of the 33rd District and Mary E. Flowers of the 31st District, who is also the chairperson for Health Care Availability Access. Trotter, Colvin and Flowers shared their knowledge and thoughts on pending legislation that could greatly impact the health care industry with the audience, largely comprised of Trinity nurses. In fact, about 50 nurses were able to attend.
The important issue of health care education took center stage as legislators and nurses brainstormed ways to better educate the community about the risks of obesity, heart disease and stroke. Trotter suggested a partnership between fellow community hospitals to help spread awareness of the leading health problems. A multimedia presentation that included information regarding advanced heart attack care involving angioplasty and stenting was given by Alexis Barbour, Director of Clinical Operations. The presentation brought to light Trinity's vast improvements and new initiatives to better serve the community in heart care.
The forum encouraged open dialogue between the nurses and legislators, to be able to voice and address their concerns on the future of healthcare. Trinity representatives from the Nursing Advocacy Council explained the importance of nurses becoming aware of the legislative process and how to voice their opinion. The question and answer segment of the forum encouraged nurses to interact with the legislators and further their education on the political process. Trotter, Colvin and Flowers offered a great deal of insight on how to best contact and influence local lawmakers.
Health care has become a key issue in today's political agenda. Lawmakers constantly make decisions that will affect the way nurses are able to provide care to their patients. Barbara Pohrte and Annie Moore, members of the Nursing Advocacy Council, emphasized the impact Advocate nurses, which include 7,000 members, can have on the decisions made concerning the future of their industry. Advocate is constantly striving to enhance the education and development of those in the nursing profession. The council is dedicated to the advancement of the nursing profession specifically in the political arena. The self-governed council is composed of the most advanced and forward thinking individuals Advocate has to offer. Their mission is to educate and empower the largest collection of nurses in Illinois. These leaders provide the nurses at Advocate a strong, influential voice in the legislative process. Nurses from Trinity Hospital travel to the state capital each spring to advocate on behalf of nursing issues.
Photo #1 caption: Illinois State Representatives Mary E. Flowers, Marlow H. Colvin and Illinois Senator Donne E. Trotter pose with Advocate Trinity's nursing team.
Photo #2 caption: (L to R) Illinois State Representatives Mary E. Flowers, Marlow H. Colvin and Illinois Senator Donne E. Trotter speak at the fourth annual Nursing Legislative Forum.
hoto #3 caption: Members of the Nursing Advocacy Council pose with Advocate Health Cares' government relations team.
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