Western Massachusetts Black Nurses' Association

On May 15, 1994 the Western Massachusetts Black Nurses' Association (WMBNA) was established. Purpose and objectives of the organization are:

• Define and determine nursing care of Black consumers for optimum quality of care by acting as their advocates.
• Act as change agent in reconstructing existing institutions and/or helping to establish institutions to suit their needs.
• Influence legislation and policies that affect Black people and work cooperatively with other health workers and organizations to this end.
• Set standards and guidelines for quality education of Black nurses on all levels by providing consulting to nursing facilities and monitoring for the proper utilization and placement of Black nurses.
• Collect information for Black nurses continuing their education about scholarships and other funding sources available to them.
• Be a vehicle for unification of Black nurses of varied age groups, educational levels and locations in this geographical region to ensure continuity and flow of our common heritage.
• Collaborate with other Black groups to compile archives relevant to historical, current and fixture activities of Black nurses.
• Provide an impetus and means for Black nurses to write and publish on an individual or collaborative basis.

Membership is open to nurses and student nurses regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, age or sex.