The Florida Association of Nurse Anesthetists (FANA) recently launched the creation of the FANA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee as a permanent committee to advise FANA on incorporating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in every aspect of the organization’s structure and functions.
The FANA DEI Committee is co-chaired by Jenitre Moore, DNP, CRNA, APRN and Jose D. Castillo, III, PhD, MSNA, CRNA, APRN. Drs. Moore and Castillo will lead 10 FANA Members who will work to weave DEI initiatives into every aspect of FANA’s structure and functions.
In addition to providing recommendations and guidance to the organization, some of the committee’s objectives will include:
- Creating definitions for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
- Include in definitions gender, race/ethnicity, age, experience, work setting, sexual orientation.
- Evaluating DEI definitions and compare with FANA Mission and Vision.
- Identifying DEI initiatives with all 9 Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs in Florida and, if applicable, sharing FANA’s initiatives, strategies, and phase recommendations.
- Developing proposals for the following preliminary objectives and projects, such as:
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- Designing workshops specific to students.
- Evaluating scholarships at both American Association of Nurse Anesthetists and FANA levels.
- Engaging in Community Outreach focused on DEI initiatives.
“I am delighted to be leading this important initiative on behalf of FANA,” said Dr. Jenitre Moore. “The time for action is now. This is an imperative step forward for any organization, and I am encouraged by the measures FANA is taking to continue to ensure Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are the centerpieces of our organization. I look forward to working with my fellow committee members to find new, bold ways to broaden our outreach and ensure an inclusive, caring environment for all our members.”
“The creation of this committee is a significant step towards a more inclusive organization focused on celebrating the diversity of our incredible members,” said Dr. Jose D. Castillo. “FANA has always strived to be at the forefront of inclusion, equity, and diversity among our many members and partners. This committee will help to institutionalize that objective across every aspect of our organization, and I am proud to play a role in that objective.”
The newly elected president of the Florida Association of Nurse Anesthetists John McDonough, EdD, CRNA, APRN added, “I am proud to assume office leading this organization on the same day that the DEI Committee became a permanent part of our organizational structure.”
For more information about the role and value of CRNAs in Florida visit www.fana.org or for national information please visit the AANA’s website at www.aana.com/ and the “CRNAs: The Future of Anesthesia Care Today” campaign website at www.future-of-anesthesia-care-today.com.
About the Florida Association of Nurse Anesthetists
Founded in 1936, The Florida Association of Nurse Anesthetists (FANA) represents more than 5,400 Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) in Florida. FANA advocates for our patients and members in legislative and governmental affairs and serves as a resource for CRNAs, the nursing and medical professions, hospitals, health care facilities, and others interested in anesthesia care. For more information visit www.fana.org.
About the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists
Founded in 1931 and located in Park Ridge, Ill., and Washington, D.C., the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) is the professional organization representing nearly 54,000 Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) and student registered nurse anesthetists across the United States. As advanced practice registered nurses and anesthesia specialists, CRNAs administer more than 49 million anesthetics to patients in the United States each year and are the primary providers of anesthesia care in rural America. In some states, CRNAs are the sole anesthesia professionals in nearly 100 percent of rural hospitals. For more information, visit www.aana.com and www.future-of-anesthesia-care-today.com.
