Nursing is named Southern AZ Red Cross partner of the year
Representatives from the U of A College of Nursing were on hand to receive the college’s award as 2024 Partner of the Year from the Southern Arizona chapter of the American Red Cross. (From left) Kate Straub, MPH, RM, RN, lecturer; Nancy E. McGuckin, MSN, MBA, MPH, senior lecturer; Wanda Larson, PhD, MEd, RN, and Julio Loya, PhD, an assistant professor.
Photo courtesy of the U of A College of Nursing
The University of Arizona College of Nursing was honored by the Southern Arizona chapter of the American Red Cross as its 2024 Partner of the Year.
U of A College of Nursing faculty and students regularly collaborate with the Southern Arizona chapter of the American Red Cross, earning them the 2024 Partner of the Year Award.
Photo courtesy of Ann Hess, U of A College of Nursing
The college was recognized for its collaborative projects with the charity at a ceremony on March 27. According to the Red Cross, the honor recognizes an organization that exemplifies collaboration and works to deliver its mission.
“We are deeply honored to be named the 2024 Partner of the Year by the Southern Arizona chapter of the American Red Cross,” said Brian Ahn, PhD, dean of the College of Nursing and a member of the BIO5 Institute. “This recognition reflects our commitment to serving the community through excellence in nursing education, research and outreach.
“At the College of Nursing, we believe in preparing compassionate and skilled nurses who are ready to respond to the evolving health care needs of our region. We are proud to stand alongside the Red Cross in its mission to support those in need and look forward to continuing our partnership to make a meaningful impact.”
Courtney Slanaker, executive director of the Southern Arizona chapter of the American Red Cross, called the College of Nursing an “exceptional partner” and credited its undergraduate and graduate students for their tireless support of the community.
For the past three years, the College of Nursing has integrated graduate and undergraduate programs with the Red Cross.
According to the Southern Arizona chapter, “This unique partnership is based on mutual goals and develops creative ways to reach diverse communities. The partnership has augmented the Red Cross workforce while integrating the student nurses into fieldwork.”
Many faculty members work regularly with the Red Cross. Melissa M. Goldsmith, PhD, RNC, an associate clinical professor, makes sure to include a presentation about the organization at new student orientations.
“The Southern Arizona Red Cross Partner of the Year award is an honor that reflects the amazing synergy we have had with the Red Cross the past few years,” she said. “Our work with the Red Cross not only involves students and faculty providing service to the organization, but it has also provided our students with meaningful volunteer and service-learning opportunities in the Tucson community.”