This press release was initially posted on the Delaware Nurses’ Association website.

NEWARK, DE – May 11, 2022 – The Delaware Nurses Association (DNA) announced it will receive $500,000.00 in state American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for a capital project to support nurse’s mental health and overall wellbeing. This project will be led by DNA and the Delaware Action Coalition. The Delaware Action Coalition is co-led by Elizabeth “Beth” Mattey, MSN, RN, NCSN, FNASN and Christopher E. Otto, MSN, RN, CHFN, PCCN, CCRN. The state coalition is an extension of the Future of Nursing: Campaign for Action, an initiative of AARP Foundation, AARP and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, based on the Future of Nursing consensus study from the National Academy of Medicine. Additional partners in this capital project will be announced as the project advances.

There are over 22,000 licensed nurses in Delaware, the largest of any licensed health profession in Delaware. Delaware’s nurses work in every setting health care is delivered, and for the last 20 years, the public has ranked nursing as the profession with the highest honesty and ethical standards. These funds will be utilized to provide free, easy to access, evidence-based and comprehensive tools and programming to support Delaware’s nurses. The COVID-19 pandemic caused significantly altered workforce dynamics, a shifting social contract between the public and nurses, and strained work environments have left Delaware’s nurses exhausted and searching for support.

These funds will build and sustain capital technology and programming with an overarching theme of post-traumatic recovery and growth, presented as Healthy Nurse Healthy Delaware. This model is based on a national framework (American Nurses Association’s Healthy Nurse Healthy Nation^TM) and other state models, integrating evidence into practical solutions and practice.

Christopher E. Otto, MSN, RN, CHFN, PCCN, CCRN, Executive Director, stated, “These funds are critical to supporting the largest sector of Delaware’s health care workforce. This capital project will advance existing and equip nurses with new knowledge, tools and support to advance their own health, resulting in improved care and outcomes for those we serve. Delaware is a national leader for demonstrating their commitment to the nursing workforce.”

“Nurses, like all Delawareans, have been impacted by COVID-19 and many other issues in all settings where they practice,” stated Elizabeth “Beth” Mattey, MSN, RN, NCSN, FNASN. “With these capital funds, we will be able to reach Delaware’s nurses and let them know they are not alone. Their colleagues are here to support their individual and collective recovery and growth. Together, we are stronger than COVID-19.”

The Delaware Action Coalition and DNA express their profound gratitude to Governor John Carney, Lieutenant Governor Dr. Bethany Hall-Long, the Governor’s Office, the Lt. Governor’s Office, Director A.J. Schall, Bill Lindewirth and Kyle Pritchard for providing this grant and ongoing support.
Questions about this grant may be directed to contactdna@denurses.org.

ABOUT THE DELAWARE NURSES ASSOCIATION
Founded in 1911, DNA is the premier leading professional association bringing together, and advancing the profession of nursing for over 100 years, creating healthier communities for all Delawareans. We are the only professional association in Delaware representing all Licensed Practical Nurses, Registered Nurses, and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses. We continue to advance health through the art and science of nursing supported by diverse members, advocacy, influence, professional development, generation of new knowledge, communication, service, and history.

ABOUT THE DELAWARE ACTION COALITION
Founded in 2011, the mission of the Delaware Action Coalition is to improve the current and future health of all Delawareans through a collaborative effort by an interdisciplinary team of nurses, health care providers and community partners, positioning nurses as leaders in the transformation of health care in Delaware.

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