From NAPNAP President Dr. Daniel Crawford
Dear Colleagues,
Since the nursing profession was formally recognized nearly 200 years ago, nurses have demonstrated our unwavering compassion, resilience and innovation. Through wars, outbreaks and pandemics, national disasters, economic crises, and so much more, we have remained committed to our professional identity and have made a lasting impact on the communities we serve. Today’s politically charged climate presents new challenges, both personally and professionally, but let us find reassurance in our identity as nurses and our capacity to advocate and care for others.
As your president, I want to assure you that the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP) remains fully committed to our mission to optimize the health and well-being of all infants, children, adolescents and young adults and empower our community of pediatric experts. At our core is a commitment to delivering equitable, high quality, evidence-based health care to all children regardless of their race, religion, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, country of origin or socioeconomic status.
NAPNAP continues to advocate for:
- national policies based on widely accepted scientific evidence
- protection of infants, children and adolescents from life-threatening diseases
- providing communities with factual information to mitigate infectious diseases and other health challenges
- elimination of environmental policies that endanger children’s short- or long-term health
- promoting the critical role of APRNs play in caring for children in our health care system
Our leaders are actively working with other leading pediatric health care organizations to assess the new Administration’s statements and policies to determine impactful and actionable strategies that align with our goals for pediatric health care while safeguarding our association and its leaders and members. If you are wondering what you can do personally, I encourage you to:
- familiarize yourself with state and local laws that protect you, children and families in health care settings
- consult your employers’ security or legal team if your ability to provide equitable health care is challenged
- stay informed about health policies affecting your practice, teaching or research
- engage with NAPNAP’s and your chapter’s advocacy efforts
Thank you for your ongoing commitment to children, their families and communities, students and our broader profession during these challenging times. You are an expert in pediatrics and an advocate for children with the support of 8,000 fellow NAPNAP members. Together, we will continue to stand strong for the health and well-being of all children.
Daniel Crawford, DNP, ARNP, CPNP-PC, CNE, FAANP
NAPNAP President
Feb. 3, 2025
