Dr. Dana Stallings represented NPs during the Advancing Rural & Small Town Health forum.

VCNP is continuing to see success as we connect with stakeholders across Virginia to provide a voice for the NP in today’s healthcare landscape. Earlier this month, joining other allied health provider panelists and legislators across the state, Tidewater Region member Dr. Dana Stallings testified to her own challenges as the independent practice owner of Southside Diabetes in the City of Franklin, while also providing lawmakers with NP-led solutions during the Advancing Rural & Small Town Health Committee forum. The committee, which is chaired by Del. Rodney Willett, is tasked with developing policy suggestions to improve health care access to rural and underserved populations. Watch the clip, and don’t miss the delegate's responses!

VCNP representatives (from left) Amy Sales, Morgan McDowell and Alysia Pack met with VAPA leaders last week.

Last week was also favorable, as VCNP’s president-elect Morgan McDowell and I, along with VCNP Executive Deputy Director Amy Sales, jumped at the opportunity to meet with VAPA (Virginia Academy of Physician Assistants) representatives during their annual conference in Virginia Beach. We discussed opportunities to collaborate, common practice challenges, and ways to raise awareness of advanced practice providers in the Commonwealth during the first of what we hope will become many discussions.

In addition, VCNP’s lobbyist Richard Grossman, executive director Doug Easter, government relations chair Val Wrobel and I joined our VNA, CNS, CNM and MSV counterparts in Richmond this week. The meeting was part of our new initiative to routinely meet throughout the year and prior to the legislative session to more amicably and productively address current needs, challenges, ideas, and opportunities to improve Virginia’s health outcomes, organizational systems, and delivery of care.

We’re always looking for NPs to represent us in these efforts, and as Miss Nightingale illustrates in her quote, the smallest of seeds that are sown can blossom into great reward. If you’d like more information about how you can get involved, please contact me.

It’s membership renewal time, and members who renew before August 1 will be entered to win one of five gift cards. This includes members who selected the auto renewal option. (Auto renewals will be charged on July 31.) Renew today to get 12 full months of members-only benefits.

VCNP’s board members gathered in Richmond for their quarterly board meeting in May.

VCNP’s state board members have new email addresses. Use these to connect with your leadership, learn more about your board members, or contact them with questions.