learn about our history
Believing that every American has the right to pursue and enjoy optimal health; the South Jersey Chapter of the National Black Nurses Association (SJCNBNA) was founded in 1983, by Dr. Charlotte Thomas-Hawkins. The chapter was intended to be a support to Black nurses and advocate for Blacks and other minority groups to receive equitable health services and education in the seven southern counties of New Jersey, Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem. In September 1990, the chapter was incorporated in New Jersey with Charlotte Thomas- Hawkins (President), Carolyn Lewis- Spruill (Vice-president), Bernice Dillard (Treasurer), and Gwendolyn Barbour (Secretary) as the Executive Board.
Dr. Lauranne Sams, NBNA Founding President
Screen for health conditions and refer Black and other minority community members to appropriate providers while educating those at their level of health literacy, culture and socio-economic need.
Maintain an awareness of political issues concerning Blacks and other minority groups to advocate for and influence legislation and policy.
Support and collaborate with health professionals and organizations concerned with improving the health of Blacks and other minority groups.
Recruit, assist and mentor Blacks into health care careers; actively recruit Black nurses into SJCNBNA.
Serve as a network and support system for Black nurses in South Jersey.
South Jersey Chapter National Black Nurses Association
Nurses & Student Nurses
States including the Eastern Caribbean and Africa
Chapters
Communities thrive from collaborative efforts with organizations that have a vested interest in them. Minority communities achieve better outcomes when receiving services from those who look like them or are culturally similar to them. Encouraging and supporting black nurses in healthcare is not an option but imperative to achieving better patient outcomes in the black community.
This organization is purposed to educate and inform our communities and healthcare leaders on issues plaguing our black and other minority communities. We advocate for diversity and equity in healthcare practices of minorities and the nursing and healthcare workforce through collaboration with community leaders, government officials, and healthcare leadership to help achieve impartiality in these areas.
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