MFP/ANA e-Newsletter: March 29, 2024

SAMHSA MFP Fellow Alum Annamma "Udaya" Thomas, PhD, APRN, has published a book which includes mental health and mindfulness and you can check it out on Amazon in either paperback or ebook. It would be a great complimentary resource for any holistic nursing or NP academic program and is called Car Talk-Body Talk: Integrative Primary Care for Adults (opens new window)Only under her pen name "Dr. Sunday".

If there are any faculty interested in adding it to their course list, Dr. Udaya would be happy to talk to them and she is open to Live or recorded Webinars to discuss how it could be integrated or you can share this complimentary video with your students or colleagues.

SAMSHA is promoted in the book with a hyperlink in the e-book version along with lots of other resources, including but not limited to completing your own ACE survey! Dr. Udaya is also running a free functional wellness group for BIWOC (Black, Indigenous, Women of Color) Nurses for nurses trying to manage anxiety and stress in a more holistic way for themselves or others or follow her on Instagram for her free health equity and wellness tips! admin@usolicare.org

 

(opens new window)

“It is past time to examine our theoretical underpinnings to determine how they do – or do not – consider external influences on individual or population behaviors and outcomes. Theory without context has limited utility for practice or research. "We need to examine our language. Does it absolve contextual influences and focus on the individual in unintended ways? If we call out and advocate for change in underlying causes, could we lessen the need for “building resilience” in affected individuals and communities? Are we teaching people to better bear a burden to the exclusion of putting our energies into relieving that burden? Understanding SDoH requires us to do both. "Nursing has been cautious in speaking out – to the systems to which we belong, to those who enact policies, and to political systems. Health is affected by all these. We cannot be silent and still lead. Join me in speaking out.” Dr. Vicki P. Hines-Martin, is Professor Emerita at the University of Louisville School of Nursing and the recipient of the 2023 Equity-Minded Nurse Leadership Award.

Read more (opens new window)

Dr. Fildes was quoted as saying "I consider my innovation that created a free evidence based, accessible holistic, timely, patient-centered and statewide service that served individuals addicted to nicotine and other substances as an achievement that honors God's work through me. Additionally, this work was the basis of my contributions to the creation of the Philippine Quitline, so that services are available to victims of tobacco use in lower middle income country countries where medical services are lacking. These contributions were the basis of my induction as a fellow of the American Academy of Nursing."

When asked what inspired her to pursue her current career path, she says: Service is her ministry in this world, educating, mentoring, coaching and sponsoring students are ways to serve in her ministry.

Her advice to women:

"Remember that you have a big light in you. Let it shine to manifest all that is good. Guard your light from low vibration thoughts, feelings, attitudes, behaviors and people, they are obstacles to love, peace, joy, and abundance. Instead, have high-vibration thoughts, feelings, attitudes and behaviors and surround yourself with people with positive energy who lift you up. They will help keep your light shining, and together you will make this place a won".