FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                 Connecticut Department of Public Health

   May 2, 2008                                                 Contact: William Gerrish

                                                                         (860) 509-7270

Hartford  --  The work of America's 2.9 million registered nurses to save lives and to maintain the health of millions of individuals is the focus of this year's National Nurses Week, celebrated annually May 6-12 throughout the United States.  This year, the American Nurses Association has selected "Nurses: Making a Difference Every Day" as the theme for 2008. 

“Nurses serve us in many different ways, but all with caring, passion and a strong commitment to the health of Connecticut residents,” stated Governor M. Jodi Rell.  “I encourage all Connecticut residents to recognize nurses for the difference they make in all of our lives.”  

“As a nurse myself, I want people to know that nursing provides its trained professionals with limitless challenges and opportunities for personal growth,” said Connecticut Department of Public Health Deputy Commissioner Norma Gyle, R. N., Ph. D. “The flexibility of nursing is enormous, and the satisfaction of doing for others cannot be measured.”

The Connecticut Department of Public Health is celebrating Nurses Week by sponsoring a seminar for working public health nurses.  The program, Public Health Nurses Bridge Gaps in Service, will be held during Nurses Week on May 6, 2008 at the Savin Rock Conference Center, West Haven, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.  Keynote speakers and a panel discussion will address important topics for public health nurses.  Best practices will be presented and include the use of epidemiological data for program planning.  Registration is being coordinated through the TRAIN Connecticut, which is accessible via http://ct.train.org. 

Traditionally, National Nurses Week is devoted to highlighting the diverse ways in which registered nurses, the largest health care profession, are working to improve health care.  From bedside nursing in hospitals and long-term care facilities to the halls of research institutions, state legislatures, and Congress, the depth and breadth of the nursing profession is meeting the expanding health care needs of American society.

Through its 54 constituent member associations, the ANA advances the nursing profession by fostering high standards of nursing practice, promoting economic and general welfare, promoting a positive and realistic view of nursing, and lobbying Congress and the regulatory agencies on health care issues affecting nurses and the public.

The Connecticut Department of Public Health is the state’s leader in public health policy and advocacy with a mission to protect and promote the health and safety of the people of our state.  To contact the department, please visit its website at www.ct.gov/dph  or call (860) 509-7270.

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