51st Anniversary of the Emergency Nurses Association

Floor Speech

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Mr. MERKLEY. Mr. President, on behalf of myself and Mr. Wicker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the 51st anniversary of the Emergency Nurses Association. Made up of 51,000 members from all across the globe, the Emergency Nurses Association, or ENA, is the only professional organization dedicated to advancing excellence in emergency nursing and is the world's premier organization for emergency nurses.

Founded in 1970, ENA has worked successfully to raise awareness and improve outcomes for the Nation's trauma patients. Traumatic injuries, including car crashes, falls, head injuries, burns, and firearm injuries, are currently the leading cause of death for Americans aged 44 or younger. Working to improve outcomes for those who have suffered a traumatic injury, ENA offers courses for emergency nurses that provide them with the knowledge, skills, and hands-on training needed to deliver high-quality trauma care. Since 1986, ENA's trauma nursing core course has been taken by more than 2 million emergency nurses and is now considered the gold standard for the education of nurses in lifesaving trauma care techniques. Alongside their outstanding educational courses, ENA has been a fearless advocate at all levels of government for safer work environments in medical facilities and has pushed for stronger criminal laws that hold those accountable for violence against medical employees.

Especially in times of crisis, ENA has been on the frontlines of our medical profession. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when emergency rooms have been turned into battle zones against this virus, ENA has worked time and time again to ensure that nurses across this country were prepared and equipped to deal with this unprecedented crisis. Their tireless dedication to protecting and saving lives, while risking their own, should be recognized and commended by this body.

On the occasion of the Emergency Nurses Association's 51st anniversary, we ask our colleagues to join us in extending our deepest gratitude to the ENA and all its members for their commitment to improving the quality of emergency care that has continued to save the lives of millions of Americans across our country.

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