National American Arab Nurses Association to Host Inaugural Angel of Mercy Banquet
On Thursday, September 20, 2012, the National American Arab Nurses Association (NAANA) will host its inaugural Angel of Mercy Awards Banquet at Byblos Banquet Hall in Dearborn, Michigan (7258 Chase Road) at 5:30 p.m.
Dr. Larry Purnell, Professor Emeritus of the School of Nursing at the University Of Delaware College Of Health Sciences, will speak on the role of the nurse as the Angel of Mercy. Dr. Purnell has over 30 years’ experience in nursing and health care, including critical care/shock trauma, administration and education. His current research, Hispanic Health Beliefs and the Meaning of Respect Afforded Them by Health Care Providers, includes participants from Mexico and all other Central American countries and their cohort groups in the United States. He is also the developer of the Purnell Model for Cultural Competence, which has been translated into Spanish and French.
Also featured as guest speaker is Najah Bazzy, RN, a Transcultural Nurse Clinical Specialist and a Diversity Specialist with over 25 years in transcultural health care. Ms. Bazzy will discuss the role of the nurse in the Arab and Muslim communities. She has an extensive background in critical care nursing with special expertise in Arab and Muslim health care, beliefs and practices. She is CEO of Diversity Specialists and Transcultural Health Care Solutions and the Executive Director and Founder of Zaman International, a non-profit humanitarian organization that provides “hope for humanity.” Internationally renowned for her lectures on Islam, interfaith dialogue, gender equity and equality, human rights and medical ethics, she has addressed thousands of non-Muslims and has engaged extensively in interfaith outreach since 9/11.
The Angel of Mercy Banquet will honor members of the nursing field for their commitment to their profession. NAANA will present the 2012 Angel of Mercy Award to:
JEANETTE KLEMCZAK, MSN, BSN, RN, FAAN: Ms. Klemczak is the former Michigan Chief Nurse Executive and currently serves as the Healthcare Market Talent Director for the State of Michigan, Workforce Development Agency.
KATHERINE (TRINKA) KLIMA, MSN, CNM: Ms. Klima is Certified Nurse-Midwife at the Henry Ford Health System.
Ms. Loretta Davis will serve as Mistress of Ceremony for the evening. Ms. Davis is the Group Executive/Health Officer for the Department of Health and Wellness Promotion and the Department of Human Services for the City of Detroit. For the two departments, she provides leadership and strategic direction for over 400 employees and manages a combined budget of 140 million dollars.
The National American Arab Nurses Association (NAANA), a 501(c) (3) organization, was founded in 2003 by Rose Khalifa, RN, BSN. It is a non-profit, professional organization whose vision is to serve as a voice, a network and a resource for men and women in their pursuit of employment and advancement within the nursing profession. NAANA focuses primarily on the Arab American nurse. In the same regard, it is an inclusive nursing organization that fosters knowledge of cultural diversity and sensitivity between members and the community in the area of transcultural health care.
Individual ticket prices for this event are $100. Sponsorship opportunities are also available for the opportunity to promote your business among Arab American healthcare professionals. The reception is set for 5:30 PM and the program will begin at 6:00 PM promptly.