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Adopt and present a resolution recognizing May 6-12, 2024 as National Nurses Week and May 19-25, 2024 as National Emergency Medical Services Week in Solano County (Chair Mashburn)
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Published Notice Required? Yes ___ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ___ No _ X_
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Department of Health and Social Services recommends the Board of Supervisors adopt and present a resolution recognizing May 6-12, 2024 as National Nurses Week and May 19-25, 2024 as National Emergency Medical Services Week in Solano County.
SUMMARY:
Solano County Health and Social Services, Public Health Division, joins the American Nurses Association in recognizing National Nurses Week, which is traditionally celebrated May 6th through May 12th each year, and joins the American College of Emergency Physicians and the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians in recognizing National Emergency Medical Services Week which will be recognized May 19th through May 25th of this year. These observances provide an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the efforts of dedicated nurses and emergency medical services personnel in the performance of their duties throughout Solano County.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The costs associated with activities in recognition of these observances are included in the Department’s FY2023/24 Working Budget. The costs associated with preparation and purchase of the resolution materials are included in the Board’s FY2023/24 Working Budget. There is no additional impact to the County General Fund.
DISCUSSION:
Since 1974, professional nursing organizations, health systems and communities around the world have traditionally celebrated National Nurses Week beginning May 6th and ending May 12th, the birthdate of celebrated nurse Florence Nightingale, in acknowledgement of the importance of nurses and their contributions to the health of individuals, families, communities and populations they serve. The theme for 2024 is “Nurses Make the Difference” to honor the incredible nurses who embody the spirit of compassion and care in every health care setting.
Nearly four million nurses comprise the largest group of professionals in the healthcare sector in the United States. Health and Social Services (H&SS) currently has 44 positions that serve in various nursing roles and in a variety of program areas and settings including Family Health Services, Behavioral Health, Child Welfare Services, Communicable Disease and Tuberculosis Control, Nurse-Family Partnership, IMPACT Nursing, Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention, Older and Disabled Adult Services, California Children’s Services, Child Health and Disability Prevention, and Foster Care. Additionally, eight nurse practitioners are employed by H&SS.
In recognition of National Nurses Week, healthcare stakeholders and community partners are encouraged to consider ways to celebrate nurses and thank them for their steadfast commitment to meeting the needs of patients and their communities every day. During the month of May, Solano County Human Resources will feature nursing job classifications on Facebook, and Public Health nursing leadership will recognize the difference County nurses make with social media posts and daily expressions of appreciation throughout Nurses Week. Additionally, nurses will gather for lunch and hear from gratis guest speaker Anna Sutton, Director of Nursing with Santa Cruz County Health Service Agency.
Solano Public Health also joins the American College of Emergency Physicians and the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians to recognize National Emergency Medical Services Week, which was originally established by President Gerald Ford in 1974. The theme for 2024 is “Honoring Our Past. Forging Our Future.” to recognize the 50th anniversary of National Emergency Medical Services Week by honoring emergency medical personnel’s earliest days while continuing to build upon their efforts.
Millions of emergency medical services professionals across the United States, including emergency medical technicians, emergency medical doctors, firefighters, and paramedics, provide day-to-day lifesaving services on medicine’s front lines. Solano County’s Emergency Medical Services Agency supports emergency medical services professionals in Solano County through licensure, certification, training, and education. Emergency Medical Services will collaborate with community partners to honor and highlight the work of emergency medical services professionals throughout the county.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board may choose not to adopt and present the resolution. This is not recommended as it is an opportunity to honor Solano County nurses and emergency medical services professionals for their value, dedication, and commitment.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION