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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, The observance of Texas Black Nurses Day at the |
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State Capitol on February 26, 2025, serves as an opportunity to |
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highlight the contributions of Black nurses and to raise awareness |
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of the importance of diversity in the nursing profession; and |
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WHEREAS, Over the past decade, the number of Black nurses in |
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Texas has grown to more closely mirror overall demographics in the |
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state; according to statistics compiled by the Texas Center for |
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Nursing Workforce Studies in 2024, the percentage of Black |
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individuals working as registered and advanced practice registered |
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nurses in the Lone Star State had increased steadily since 2014, and |
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Black individuals represented more than 25 percent of licensed |
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vocational nurses; moreover, a 2021 survey found that the |
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proportion of Black faculty serving in registered nursing |
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pre-licensure programs throughout the state stood at nearly 18 |
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percent; and |
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WHEREAS, As Texas becomes increasingly diverse, there is a |
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greater need for a diverse nursing workforce with the ability to |
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provide quality, culturally informed patient care to a variety of |
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populations; a growing body of research shows that a health care |
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workforce that closely resembles the population it serves brings |
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notable benefits, including improved patient care and cost savings; |
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compared to their White counterparts, Black nurses are more likely |
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to practice in underserved areas with a larger percentage of Black |
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families and are also more likely to accept patients who are covered |
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by Medicaid, thus helping to bring their communities closer to |
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achieving health equity; and |
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WHEREAS, The Black nurses of our state have earned our |
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deepest gratitude for the tremendous skill and passion they have |
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demonstrated and for their noble commitment to the health and |
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well-being of their patients, and they are indeed deserving of |
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recognition for their exceptional service; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas |
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Legislature hereby recognize February 26, 2025, as Texas Black |
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Nurses Day at the State Capitol and commend these dedicated |
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professionals for the compassion and expertise they bring to their |
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vocation. |