Academy recognizes outstanding contributions to health care

Two AONL members and the first RN elected to Congress were honored by the American Academy of Nursing this fall for their outstanding contributions to improving health and health care. The Academy gave its inaugural Legacy Award to Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson, D-Texas, calling her a “true pioneer of the nursing profession.” The Civitas Award, which honors an individual who exemplifies dedication to excellence in their service to nursing, health care and to promoting health policy, was awarded to AONL member Susan Hassmiller, PhD, RN, who currently oversees the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) Future of Nursing 2020-2030 study in her role as NAM senior scholar-in-residence and senior advisor to the president on nursing. AONL member Mary Dee Hacker, MBA, RN, chief nursing officer emerita at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, received the Health Care Leader Award in recognition of her service to improving the health of the nation through extraordinary contributions to organizational excellence. AONL faculty member Tim Porter-O’Grady, EdD, APRN, received the President’s Award, which honors an influential national leader who embodies the mission of the Academy. The awards were presented during the Academy’s annual policy conference in Washington, D.C. (American Academy of Nursing news release, 11/15/19)