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The American Nurses Association, in response to President Obama's State f the Union speech Jan. 24, released the following statement by ANA president, Karen A. Daley, PhD, MPH, RN, FAAN:
"ANA is pleased that President Obama addressed the need to develop and educate a vibrant American workforce in his State of the Union address. Even during the depths of the recession, the health care sector has experienced steady job growth.
"However, sustained federal funding for nursing education programs is essential to meet the growing demands of an aging population and increased access to care under the Affordable Care Act.
"We must continue to invest in healthcare to reap the benefits of a transformed healthcare system, one that increases Americans' access to primary care and prevention services and that ultimately results in a healthier nation.
"We also must preserve Medicare and Medicaid funding, not only to protect the most vulnerable Americans, but to avoid major job losses that will have a negative ripple effect in communities across this country.
"The vision of a reformed healthcare system won't be achieved unless we address the growing shortage of nurses and the looming threats of staff cuts due to deep cuts to Medicare and Medicaid."
ANA, through its political action committee ANA-PAC, consistently promotes the rights of nurses in the workplace by lobbying the Congress and regulatory agencies on healthcare issues affecting nurses and the public. For more information, click here. http://nursingworld.org/MainMenuCategories/ANAPoliticalPower/ANAPAC.aspx
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