Published October 05, 2022 
White House Hosts Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health
On September 28, AACN staff virtually attended the White House conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health. This event focused on ending hunger, improving nutrition and physical activity, and reducing diet-related diseases and disparities. By 2023, the Biden-Harris Administration’s goal is to end hunger and increase healthy eating and physical activity, so that Americans can experience fewer diet-related diseases, including obesity, hypertension, and diabetes. The Administration released a strategy document and a fact sheet on this issue. To learn more or to watch the conference, click here.
Federal Government Shutdown Averted: President Signs Continuing Resolution
On September 30, President Biden signed a Continuing Resolution (CR) into law, which funds the federal government until December 16, 2022, at Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 levels. The CR also provides funding assistance for Ukraine and domestic disaster relief. AACN will continue to advocate for strong investments in Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Programs and for the National Institute of Nursing Research as Congress continues to deliberate FY 2023 funding levels. Click here to view the current AACN funding chart for FY 2023.
AACN Attends NAM National Plan for Health Workforce Well-Being Launch
On October 3, AACN attended the National Academy of Medicine’s launch of the National Plan for Health Workforce Well-Being. This call to action, which AACN has helped shape since its inception, was issued to mobilize stakeholders to create and sustain positive work and learning environments as well as a culture of well-being. Problems such as burnout, depression, and suicide among healthcare workers were discussed openly, bringing issues that have historically gone overlooked to the forefront of the conversation. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) highlighted the need for Congressional actions to help bolster these efforts, and House Nursing Caucus Co-Chair, Representative David Joyce (R-OH-14), highlighted his work with nurses. To date, 30 national organizations have endorsed the plan. To learn more, click here.
Lawmakers Urge Biden Administration to Extend PSLF Waiver Deadline
On October 3, a group of bicameral bipartisan lawmakers sent a letter urging Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona to extend the limited Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) waiver deadline until July 1, 2023. The PSLF waiver is currently set to expire on October 31 of this year. Only about 15% of all eligible public service workers have applied for this opportunity. Lawmakers argue that extending the deadline until new PSLF regulations are implemented in July will ensure that all public servants will have the opportunity to benefit. To read the Congressional letter, click here.
Now Open: DOL Nurse Expansion Grant Program
On October 3, the Department of Labor (DOL) released a funding opportunity for their newly announced Nursing Expansion Grant Program. This grant program has two tracks, both at the education and career levels, and provides $80 million for up to 25 awards. The aim of this funding is to “expand and diversify” nursing pathways and profession. Applications are due by January 6, 2023. To learn more, click here.