Robert F. McDonnell, Governor

A message from the Office of the Governor

On behalf of the Commonwealth of Virigina, I express my appreciation to you for your selfless service and devotion to patients, their families and health cares professionals in our Commonwealth.

I commend you for the hard work and devotion that you show daily through assistance to your colleagues and hands-on care for patients and the elderly...

See the full letter...

Photo courtesy of Office of the Governor of Virginia. Photographer: Michaele White

Richard Burr, United States Senator

U.S. Senator Richard Burr says...

"A top priority of mine as a United States Senator and as a member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions is to increase access to afforable, quality health care.  I understand the important role that CNAs play in carrying out this priority and I agree that we must continue to invest in our nation's CNA workforce.

Due to an increasing and aging population, the demand for nursing assistants, a majority of whom serve in nursing homes and assisted living facilities, is expected to grow significantly.  That's why I believe it is important we take steps now to address this shortage in the health professions.  Health professions workforce development is a national priority.

In addition, you may be interested to know that I have supported--and will continue to support--efforts to make sure we adequately fund the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development programs in the budget.  I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate to provide more opportunities for Americans to enter nursing professions and address our health workforce needs."

Sincerely, Richard Burr, United States Senator

Mike Krzyzewski , Duke Basketball Head Coach

Coach K of Duke University says...

To the Hardworking and Devoted CNAs Across the United States: I want to thank you for the work that you do in helping people across our great country become better. Obviously, every patient needs a team of dedicated people around him or her in order to get to full health. The dedicated work that CNAs do in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, adult daycare centers and in people's homes have provided an atmosphere that is conducive for success. I know that performing your job can be both physically and emotionally demanding. I want you to know that it is worth it! You give 100% to each patient and as a result that patient has a better chance. Thank you so much for what you do. I hope that at an appropriate time you can step back and see and feel the amazing work that all of you are doing. My very best wishes always. Sincerely, Coach Mike Krzyzewski

Patch Adams, Medical Doctor

. . . the richness of a life in loving care

I AM a CNA—Really!

If you look at the heart of our work (see the vision section of our website), you will see that we aspire to be a hospital, and caregivers, modeled on the heart and soul of the work of nurses and CNAs.  We think corporate health care has it all wrong—medical care is not a business to profit from—it is loving service to all people.  

CNAs are holding that torch until we wrestle health care away from the greed model and return it to a model of compassion and generosity.  Corporate medicine has no interest in recognizing or rewarding CNAs for what they are worth—so CNAs, you must feel the richness of a life in loving care.  You can’t do better.  In our hospital model, to reinforce the idea that health care delivery is a loving service without hierarchy, the cleaning person and the surgeon make the same salary--$300/month.  Staff will trade the wealth they can make for the privilege of serving in our community eco village model.  Feel your wealth now…spread the word!

In peace,
Patch

Medical doctor; Clown; Performer; Social Activist; Founder and Director of the Gesundheit Institute, a holistic medical community that has provided free medical care to thousands of patients since it began in 1971; Author of Gesundheit! & House Calls; Moving Speaker

M. Michael Rounds, Governor

Executive Proclamation, State of South Dakota

Whereas, Nursing homes, home care, and other long-term care agencies have accepted the responsibility of providing quality care and a quality of life for the elder, frail, and disabled citizens in our communities...

Read more...