Published June 22, 2022 
AACN Attends Bipartisan Policy Center Webinar on New Dialing Code 988
On June 15, AACN attended the Bipartisan Policy Center virtual event, “988: Answering the Call,” which provided an overview of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number, 988. Going into effect in July, 988 will provide the assistance and ability for many Americans to easily get connected to the mental health care they need. The event included a keynote by Andrea Palm, Deputy Secretary of the U.S Department of Health and Human Services; a fireside chat with Dr. Jerome Adams, the 20th US Surgeon General, and comments from Dr. Anita Everett, Director of the Center for Mental Health Services, along with many other panelists. To watch the webinar, click here.
Senate HELP Committee Holds Hearing on Ongoing COVID-19 Efforts
On June 16, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee held a hearing titled, “An Update on the Ongoing Federal Response to COVID-19: Current Status and Future Planning,” to discuss the state of the COVID-19 pandemic and outline strategies to combat future variants associated with expected fall and winter coronavirus surges. Witnesses included directors and officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, the Food and Drug Administration, and the Department of Health and Human Services. Witnesses stressed the need for additional emergency funding moving forward to invest in next-generation tools, vaccines, and treatments. They also continue to encourage booster shots and emphasize the need for ongoing pandemic-preparedness and prevention efforts. To view the hearing, click here.
Nursing Voices Nursing Votes: Counting Down to the 2022 Midterm Elections
As we head into the 2022 Midterm Elections, many states and local communities are entering into the primary election season. We encourage you to find out more about AACN’s nonpartisan initiative, Nursing Voices Nursing Votes, which is designed to provide resources to deans, faculty, and students on how to register to vote, upcoming election dates, absentee ballot information, and so much more. Follow @AACNPolicy for additional updates, and sign up using AACN’s online form to highlight your engagement during this election cycle. Your voice and vote matters!