American Nurses Association Celebrates 130 Years of Leading and Advancing the Nursing Profession

SILVER SPRING, MD- Today the American Nurses Association(ANA) kicks off a year-long observance of the 130^th anniversary of its founding with a special proclamation marking 2026 as "The Year of The Power of Nurses". This milestone proclamation serves to not only recognize the pivotal work of ANA leading the profession and shaping the future of healthcare delivery, but also to honor the extraordinary contributions of nurses to transform, inspire and innovate across the healthcare landscape.

A proclamation recognizing 2026 as "The Year of The Power of Nurses" to celebrate ANA's 130th anniversary was formally introduced in Congress this week, with companion resolutions led by U.S. Representative Lauren Underwood in the House of Representatives and U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley in the Senate. The introduction of these resolutions reflects growing national recognition of the essential role nurses play in advancing health, strengthening communities, and shaping the future of healthcare in the United States.

"As we celebrate the ANA's 130th anniversary, we honor more than a century of nurses leading with courage, compassion, and unwavering commitment to patients and communities," said Jennifer Mensik Kennedy, PhD, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN, president of the American Nurses Association. "With 2026 officially declared 'The Year of The Power of Nurses,' we are elevating the undeniable impact nurses have had on health, innovation, and policy for generations, and reaffirming our promise to invest in, protect, and amplify the nursing workforce for many years to come."

Since its establishment in 1896, the ANA has championed The Power of Nurses™. Across generations, ANA has advanced the profession through sustained advocacy, congressional engagement, leadership in public health, and the establishment of professional standards that define excellence in nursing practice. From early public health and infectious disease efforts to workforce challenges, patient safety, and national health emergencies, ANA has guided nurses through more than a century of change, serving as a trusted, unified voice for the more than 5 million nurses who care for patients and communities nationwide.

"Celebrating 130 years of excellence in service to nurses is a powerful reminder of our enduring strength, our passion and commitment to the nursing profession. We celebrate a legacy defined by shaping healthcare policy, innovation, and driving positive change," said Angela Beddoe, CEO of the American Nurses Enterprise. "As we mark this significant milestone, we focus not only on honoring our past and the critical role of nurses, but also on looking ahead into imagining ANA into 2040, we renew our bold commitment to champion nurses and the future of healthcare for decades to come."

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About the American Nurses Association

As the oldest organization representing more than 5 million registered nurses, the American Nurses Association stands at the forefront of advancing nursing excellence. The association harnesses The Power of Nurses™ to champion the profession and drive transformation in healthcare. Through legislative and political advocacy, comprehensive educational services, and the profession's leading Code of Ethics and Scope and Standards, the association empowers nurses across every specialty and practice setting. The association is committed to ensuring healthy work environments, shaping pioneering policies, and cultivating partnerships that enhance both the nursing profession and the broader healthcare experience.

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