Sherry Pomeroy receives note from President Biden

I have been in democratic politics (big and small D) since I was thirteen. As a young girl in Philadelphia, I canvassed for John F. Kennedy in my neighborhood. My parents were thrilled that an Irish Catholic might be president. Both parents were independent thinkers and supportive of progressive ideas as well as proud of their individual heritage.

Fast forward to the 1980s when I became the political education director at the American Nurses Association in Washington, D.C. As a nurse, I wanted our voices to be heard in support of excellent patient care for all, increased funding for nursing education, recognition of nurses’ contribution and direct reimbursement for advanced practice nursing based on their skill and knowledge. I remember meeting with a member of Congress who said he could get nurse midwives 80% of reimbursement for delivering a baby rather than the 100% that the physician got. I suggested we deliver 80% of the baby. He got my point.

Traveling to our 50 state associations, my message was clear: nurses need to support candidates who agreed with nursing goals. And that support included educating others on the candidates, working on campaigns, making calls, contributing to their campaigns, and voting! Nurse engagement in political campaigns was new, and giving money was very new and a challenge.

Having worked with a big supporter of nurses, Speaker of the House, Tip O’Neill, I remember he said, “Don’t forget, all politics is local.”

Which brings me to our local elections -  May 16th was a very important day, but it is just the beginning. We have great Garnet Valley Dem candidates. If you believe in their vision for our communities, then they need you!  They need door knocking, speaking to your neighbors, hosting events but also crucial financial support.

When I was in D.C., I helped start EMILY’S List. Early money is like yeast; it grows more money. We did this because women candidates were not getting the same amount as their male counterparts, and women often found it hard to ask for money for themselves. So your assignment is: Sign up to help our great candidates and donate as I just did!

Sincerely: Pat Ford-Roegner RN, MSW, FAAN

https://gvdems.com/blog/f/may-2023-feature-a-local-nurses-call-to-action

Published  by Ohio State University College of Nursing

 https://nursing.osu.edu/news/2023/02/08/how-divided-government-will-impact-federal-health-policy-2023