Windsor Essex Chapter has a revered history of nursing leadership, political advocacy, student mentorship and celebration. Previous members such as Jean Echlin, Sheila Cameron, Vanessa Burkoski and Dale Rajacich have influenced excellence in nursing practice internationally. Chapter members have presented resolutions at AGMs addressing the drug poisoning crisis and violence in health-care environments. Local members have marched to keep consumption and treatment services sites open, worked with the media locally and nationally to bring attention to the evidence supporting harm reduction and decried forced drug treatment. The chapter has participated in Queen’s Park on the Road and Queen’s Park Day, held meetings with local MPPs to discuss the importance of retention and recruitment of nurses in its area, raised awareness about the health impacts of climate change and homelessness and the need to harmonize compensation for nurses across all sectors. Chapter members have also marched with partners about the implications of privatized health care.
The chapter recognizes and celebrates local nurses annually with the Lois Farley Award and the Dale Rajacich Nurse of Distinction Award. Its Fall Tour brings nurses together to celebrate RN Emeritus and Quarter Century Club recipients. The chapter balances education and advocacy with fun. It is also known for events such as Comedy Club, self-care activities and nature walks. Through support and mentorship of students, Windsor-Essex chapter cultivates its future.
This award honours its past and present members and sets the course for its future.
The Chapter of the Year award goes to a chapter or region without chapters (RWC) that best exemplifies a commitment to RNAO through active promotion, participation and initiation of projects that promote healthy public policy and the role of the RN or NP in its region. The chapter or RWC uses a variety of media and communications tools to effectively engage with its region, influence decision-makers, mobilize RNs/NPs to take action and increase membership. This chapter or RWC demonstrates strong leadership in its nursing and health-care community, and its activities reflect RNAO's ENDs.
