Statement from AONL CEO Robyn Begley

On behalf of the nursing leadership community, we say the names of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor and acknowledge the innumerable others whose lives have been taken or impacted by senseless acts of violence and racial injustice. The recent loss of life, unrest and destruction across our nation serve as sobering reminders of the profound and systemic change yet needed to help ensure a more just and equitable society.

In a statement by AONL's parent organization, the American Hospital Association, President and CEO Rick Pollack emphasized, "The AHA's vision is of a society of healthy communities, where ALL individuals reach their highest potential for health. These words guide what we do every day. To achieve that vision, we must address racial, ethnic and cultural inequities, including those in health care, that are everyday realities for far too many individuals. While progress has been made, we have so much more work to do."

As nurse leaders, it is incumbent upon us to harness our influence to challenge and change the attitudes and structures that perpetuate inequity. We share a commitment to the health of our communities, and together we must actively seek, embrace and promote solutions that make a difference