A Message from Our President
August 28, 2017
Dear Colleagues,
Just a few months ago, I stood on the stage of the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston announcing our new theme of Guided by Why at the National Teaching Institute & Critical Care Exposition 2017. Now, I stare in disbelief at my television as I see the same convention center being used to shelter some of the nearly 30,000 Houston residents who have had to evacuate their homes as a result of Hurricane Harvey.
This devastating storm has been stalled over the Texas Gulf Coast region since late last week and has dumped upwards of 30 inches of rain in some areas. It has already had a catastrophic effect on the Gulf Coast region, impacting more than half a million people. And the forecast is that the rains will continue, and increased flooding and additional destruction to the region will almost certainly occur.
Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this natural disaster. We know that the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey will be filled with tears, trials and tragedy for people in the region. But we also know our community is ready and willing to lend a hand during this time of need.
We are working with our members, chapters, volunteers and leadership to determine how we can best support the members of the AACN community who are impacted. We've learned from past natural disasters that one of the best ways we can help is by connecting members with resources that are coordinating the relief efforts. Resources can be found on this webpage. Over the coming days, we'll also be looking for opportunities to share the expertise and learning from others who have been in these situations with the nurses in Houston. If you would like to share your thoughts of support, we encourage you to post on our AACN Facebook page.
Though the images of destruction from Hurricane Harvey have been difficult to watch, it's been inspiring to see the nurses, first responders and other caregivers who have been working around the clock 24/7 to provide care and comfort to those affected. We owe these heroes our sincerest gratitude for the work they do. They are using their WHY to provide the care necessary to save and restore lives in the most dire of circumstances.
I am grateful for them and for our AACN community. Thank you for all you do.
Sincerely,
Chris Schulman, MS, RN, CNS, CCRN-K
AACN President