• 38th Annual GAPNA Conference

    October 3-5, 2019 at the Paris Hotel, Las Vegas, NV.

    Focused education; lasting connections, networking, free access to the GAPNA Online Library.

    Earn up to 21 contact hours (including pre-conference workshops).

    Get more information and register now!

  • 2019 Senior Report Senior Report: Older Americans have more options for home care, but still struggling.

    The United Health Foundation has released results of a sweeping new study benchmarking the health of older adults. The America's Health Rankings® Senior Report was created in partnership with GAPNA to improve the health of America's seniors.

    The data will help advanced practice nurses and other providers deliver quality care.

    Find out about it!

  • AwardNew for GAPNA members: MCM Education

    GAPNA has partnered with a MCM Education to offer an ongoing series of CNE programs available to GAPNA members. "Diagnosing and Managing Parkinson’s Disease in Older Adults," is the latest program offered.

    Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by both motor and nonmotor symptoms. It is diagnosed based on the presence of two of four motor symptoms including rest tremor, bradykinesia, rigidity, and gait imbalance...

    Find out about it!

  • FREE continuing education credit is available for the following session:

    "Decisional Capacity"

    (session captured at the GAPNA 2018 Annual Conference)


    For July/August 2019 - Get Your Free CNE Now!

MidSouth Chapter

Spreading Warmth in the Community

by Courtney Batey Coats

Growing up as a child I heard the old adage, “If you see a need then sow a seed.”

Giving is an important characteristic whether you’re giving a monetary donation, volunteering your time, or simple gestures and random acts of kindness. Helping others has a cascading effect that positively impacts those in need and allows the giver to be a conduit of blessings to others. One of our GAPNA Board members identified a need in her community and devised a plan to sow a seed.

The winter months can be grueling for low-income families in the Midsouth area. These families may be unable to afford proper winter attire which can negatively impact a child’s performance and self-esteem.

GAPNA member Sharita Cole, NP, of Olive Branch, MS, was driving on her route to work in late fall 2018 and recognized there were several school-age children without coats, hats, and gloves. Sharita took immediate action and organized a coat drive to fill this need in her community. She accepted donations of new and gently used coats, monetary donations, and received support from other local GAPNA MidSouth members.

Due to Sharita’ s hard work, diligence, and partnering with supporters, she collected and purchased over 75 winter coats and accessories and distributed them to multiple schools and churches in the MidSouth area.

These schools and churches identified children in need of a warm coat. One school administrator stated, “We were able to help random children without coats and are extremely grateful.” One coat can change the trajectory of one’s life and Sharita loves being able to provide warmth to those in need.

Although the focus on this community project was not geared to the geriatric population specifically, at least over 75 young people felt the love and concern that a grandparent would show.

Courtney Batey Coats, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, RHIA
courtney.batey@optum.com

Related information:

Join your friends at the 2019 GAPNA Annual Conference, October 3-5, 2019, in Las Vegas, NV.

Register today!

Fall 2019, Volume 38, Number 3