Sister Bernadette “Bernie” Kenny, founder of The Health Wagon, and Dr. Olivia Newby at the Move Mountains Medical Mission event in July.

I had the honor of volunteering at the Move Mountains Medical Mission last month. It was a humbling experience to work alongside so many talented health care professionals as we cared for the hundreds of people who attended this much-needed annual event. I was also honored to represent Virginia’s NPs and meet Virginia’s Secretary of Health and Human Resources John Littel.

VCNP is the voice of Virginia’s NPs. We’re here to advocate for NP-delivered care, provide professional development and networking opportunities, and so much more. Membership renewals began this month. Be sure to renew before September so you don’t miss out on all your VCNP benefits.

Are you enrolled in a DNP or PhD program? Applications are being accepted for VCNP's annual NP doctoral scholarship. Apply by Aug.18.

Dr. Olivia Newby (center) and Southwest Region members Dr. Teresa Tyson (second from left) and Dr. Paula Hill-Collins (right) met Virginia Secretary of Health and Human Resources John Littel at the Move Mountains Medical Mission.

Southwest Region member Teresa Tyson was featured and VCNP president Olivia Newby was quoted in an article in the Bristol Herald-Courier about the Move Mountains Medical Mission.

Richmond Region member Lindsey Grizzard Braun passed away on August 4. Lindsey was an NP at VCU Health.

We extend our sympathies to Lindsey’s family, friends and colleagues.

As of Aug. 1, there were 3,037 NPs in Virginia with autonomous practice licensure. Have questions about applying? Contact staff. Make an investment in YOU and the NP profession, and apply today!

Nominations are open for the annual AANP NP State Award for Excellence and the Advocate State Award for Excellence. The awards recognize an outstanding NP and an outstanding advocate for NPs in each state. Nominees do not have to be AANP members, however only current AANP members can nominate candidates. Deadline is Sept. 11.

The Improving Care and Access to Nurses (ICAN) Act aims to remove outdated Medicare and Medicaid barriers on NPs and other APRNs to increase patient access to health care. Earlier this year, Rep. Jen Kiggans introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives. Contact your U.S. senators and representatives and ask for their support of H.R. 2713/S. 2418, the ICAN Act.