As President of the Texas Nurses Foundation, I am thrilled to share an exciting glimpse into the year ahead for the Foundation. Guided by our mission of improving the health of Texans through charitable initiatives that advance nursing practice, education, research, and leadership, we are poised to make significant strides in 2025. Together, we will advance our initiatives, broaden our impact, and celebrate the remarkable work of our amazing nursing professionals across the state.

BOARD EXPANSION FOR GOOD

One of the most transformative developments this past year is the expansion of our Board of Directors. Recognizing the strength that diversity brings, we have strategically recruited individuals who represent the rich tapestry of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives within the nursing profession. Our expanded and diverse board will not only enhance our decision-making but also ensure that the Foundation’s work remains inclusive and responsive to the needs of all nurses. Their collective expertise will undoubtedly drive innovation and strengthen the quality of our programs.

AN IMPACTFUL ENDOWMENT

Another cornerstone of the upcoming year is the fruition of the Clair B. Jordan Policy Endowment. Named in honor of the former TNA Executive Director Clair Jordan, a trailblazer in Texas nursing, this endowment signifies a long-term commitment to supporting nurses through education, research, and professional development in the Policy arena. This year, we will see the endowment come to life through targeted initiatives that empower nurses to lead and advocate for the profession at the state and national levels. With the generosity of our donors, Clair’s inspiring legacy will continue to uplift Texas nurses for generations to come.

TPAPN ENHANCED OUTREACH

The Texas Peer Assistance Program for Nurses (TPAPN) remains one of our most vital programs. This confidential resource supports nurses who are facing challenges related to substance use or mental health, helping them navigate their recovery journey while safeguarding patient safety. TPAPN’s work is a testament to our belief in the power of second chances and the importance of mental well-being in nursing. This year, we will enhance TPAPN’s outreach efforts to ensure every nurse in need can access this life-changing program. We will also be enacting action plans from the first strategic plan for TPAPN that will broaden our role in wellness and preventative health.

HEIGHTENED NURSE RECOGNITION

One of the most essential activities of the Foundation is our unwavering support for the nursing profession and recognizing the outstanding individuals who represent the best in Texas Nurses. This year, we will amplify our recognition activities at the state level with new awards and categories that represent a broad range of nursing practice. These awards will be open to all nurses in Texas and focus on areas such as early careerists, LVN and RN Practice, Academia, teamwork, philanthropy, and even some non-nursing entities that promote and advance nursing and wellness. We will be releasing the award information very soon and will honor our inaugural winners at the annual Foundation Gala during the TNA Annual Conference June 5-7 in Austin.

As we look to the year ahead, I invite each of you to join us in this journey. Whether through volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word about Foundation initiatives on our new social media channels, your support is invaluable. Together, we can create a brighter future for Texas nurses and the communities we serve. TN