SENATE RESOLUTION 500--SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND IDEALS OF THE ``INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE NURSE AND THE MIDWIFE'', AS DESIGNATED BY THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION; Congressional Record Vol. 166, No. 30
(Senate - February 13, 2020)
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[Pages S1078-S1079]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
SENATE RESOLUTION 500--SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND IDEALS OF THE
``INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE NURSE AND THE MIDWIFE'', AS DESIGNATED BY
THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION
Mr. MERKLEY (for himself, Mr. Wicker, Mr. Jones, and Mr. Wyden)
submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee
on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions:
S. Res. 500
Whereas the World Health Organization has designated 2020
as the ``International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife'';
Whereas 2020--
(1) marks the 200th birthday of Florence Nightingale, the
founder of modern nursing; and
(2) is an appropriate time to reflect on the high-quality
health care that nurses and midwives provide in all settings
across the United States;
Whereas, with approximately 4,000,000 registered nurses in
the United States and 20,700,000 registered nurses worldwide,
nurses and midwives--
(1) represent nearly 50 percent of the global health
workforce; and
(2) comprise the largest component of the health care
workforce in many countries;
Whereas investing in nurses and midwives provides great
value to communities;
Whereas a report of the High-Level Commission on Health
Employment and Economic Growth of the United Nations
concluded that ``investments in education and job creation in
the health and social sectors result in a triple return of
improved health outcomes, global health security, and
inclusive economic growth'';
Whereas nurses and midwives have contributed to major
achievements in global health, including--
(1) the eradication of smallpox; and
(2) reductions in maternal and child mortality;
Whereas nurses and midwives are known to be patient
advocates, acting to protect the lives of the individuals
under their care;
Whereas nurses and midwives, in caring for patients and
their families in all stages of life, serve as vital members
of the health care workforce who improve patient outcomes and
safety;
Whereas better integration of nurses and midwives into
health care systems is reducing primary and maternity care
provider shortages and improving maternal health outcomes;
Whereas nurses promote healthy lifestyles and educate
communities on disease prevention and health promotion;
Whereas nurses and midwives are well-positioned to address
and reduce health care disparities that exist in the United
States, including with respect to maternal health;
Whereas many nurses are experienced researchers, and the
work of nurses encompasses a wide scope of scientific inquiry
relating to clinical science, health systems and outcomes,
and nursing education;
Whereas nurses provide care that is sensitive to the
cultures and customs of individuals across the United States;
and
Whereas many nurses can inform and work closely with
legislators to improve the--
(1) recruitment, education, practice, and retention of
nurses; and
(2) health and safety of the patients for whom nurses care
in all communities, including rural and underserved
communities: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) supports the goals and ideals of the ``International
Year of the Nurse and the Midwife'', as designated by the
World Health Organization;
(2) recognizes the significant contributions of nurses and
midwives to the health care system in the United States; and
(3) encourages the people of the United States to observe
the International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife with
appropriate recognition, ceremonies, activities, and programs
to demonstrate the importance of nurses and midwives to
patients.
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