
Each week a quote is shared for your consideration. Some quotes might offer comfort, hope, a challenge, a chuckle, or inspiration. You may or may not agree with the quote, but it is offered simply to help you reflect and ponder.
Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.
- Helen Keller
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
This week’s recommended Health and Wellness Activity
MENTAL HEALTH, SUBSTANCE USE, AND NURSING ARTICLES
Trends in Mental Health Diagnoses Among Publicly Insured Children (opens new window).
Children living in poverty are at increased risk of mental health and neurodevelopmental disorders. Little is known about the trends in diagnoses of these disorders among children enrolled in public insurance programs, such as Medicaid, which insure more than 1 in 3 US children. Read more (opens new window)
A growing share of children are being diagnosed with mental and neurodevelopmental health issues, a newly published study found. The study, published by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), analyzed insurance claims from publicly insured children across 22 states to track diagnoses of mental health and neurodevelopmental disorders, covering 13 specific diagnostic categories. Read more (opens new window)
Adidas Champions Mental Health Awareness With NCAA Baseball Players (opens new window)
Elite athletes know all about tough competition, but the most formidable opponents are often unseen. Adidas recognizes the unique challenges facing athletes under pressure and has leaned to help the cause in recent marketing campaigns and now a new collaboration. Read more (opens new window)
Suicide Reverberates Among Young Doctors (opens new window)
Dr. Nakita Mortimer was always a leader. The first of four children to move to the U.S. from Haiti for college in 2012, she was a guiding light for each sibling as they followed her. Read more (opens new window)
Nitrous oxide (N2O) induces rapid and durable antidepressant effects. The cellular and circuit mechanisms mediating this process are not known. Here we find that a single dose of inhaled N2O induces rapid and specific activation of layer V (L5) pyramidal neurons in the cingulate cortex of rodents exposed to chronic stress conditions. Read more (opens new window)
Sexual Trauma, Suicide, and Overdose in a National Cohort of Older Veterans (opens new window)
Little is known about the association between military sexual trauma (MST) and risk for suicide-related outcomes later in life. Read more (opens new window)
MFP/ANA ANNOUNCEMENTS & UPCOMING EVENTS
Congratulations to MFP Alum Dr. Akeya Harrold
Congratulations to current MFP doctoral fellow Christina Sanon
Congratulations to MFP Alumna Dr. Eugenia Flores Millender
Congratulations to MFP doctoral fellow Maureen Ndzi
Reflections from MFP Alumni on the Fellowship’s Impact and the Future of Behavioral Health
Distinguished alumni of the Minority Fellowship Program at the American Nurses Association share thoughtful reflections on the program’s influence on their professional paths. Learn how their fellowship experiences have shaped their leadership in nursing, behavioral health, and the advancement of health equity, as well as their visions for the future of the field.
Featuring: Dr. Bridgette (Brawner) Rice, Dr. Audrey Strock, Dr. Thomas Sargent, Dr. Daisy Lara, Grace Cheung, Dr. Rosa Gonzalez-Guarda, Dr. Mary Lou de Leon Siantz, Dr. Stephanie Ferguson
Watch MFP from the Heart here (opens new window)!
Advocacy Spotlight: the nursing profession fought—and won—state
Robyn Matthews-Peacher
Associate Director, State Government Affairs
The nursing profession fought—and WON—state legislative battles across the country during the first quarter of the year:
1. Oklahoma – The state's House of Representatives passed HB 2298, which creates full practice authority (FPA) for nurses! We are hopeful for its prospects in Oklahoma's Senate.
2. New Mexico – The New Mexico Nurses Association, after multiple years of work, is celebrating the enactment of HB 178, which amended the New Mexico Nursing Practice Act.
3. Idaho – ANA sent a letter to Idaho Governor Brad Little opposing the passage of SB 1023, which would have restricted schools from student vaccine requirements. Governor Little vetoed the bill.
4. Oregon – A bill which prohibits the use of the title “nurse” by an artificial intelligence system, HB 2748, passed the House and is awaiting a hearing in the Senate.
5. Tennessee – ANA assisted the Tennessee Nurses Association in opposing SB 333 / HB 644, which would have created strict requirements on APRNs. The bills were up for a hearing, but after a grassroots campaign of hundreds of nurse advocates reaching out directly to their legislators, the bills were removed from the agenda.



MFP/ANA alumna Dr Akeya Harrold on overcoming anxiety and achieving what she thought was impossible.
Season 5 of Mental Health Trailblazers: Psychiatric Nurses Speak Up Premieres May 12
After a stimulating Season 4 celebrating 50 Years – Reflect and Project, Mental Health Trailblazers: Psychiatric Nurses Speak Up! the Minority Fellowship Program at the American Nurses Association’s podcast is returning with Season 5, bringing fresh conversations and bold insights into the future of mental health care.
This season’s theme, "Nurse the Future: Advancing Care for Youth, Families & Communities," will shine a spotlight on the behavioral health needs of children, youth, and their families from underserved communities. Through compelling interviews and expert discussions, we’ll explore innovative strategies to address the growing mental health crisis among young people and their caregivers, tackle challenges in access to care, and uplift the role of psychiatric nurses as trailblazers in the field.
Season 5 will feature a dynamic lineup of guests, including leaders in mental health research, policymakers, frontline psychiatric nurses, and current MFP fellows and alumni, all sharing their expertise and experiences in advancing responsive care for all.
Plus, nurses can earn FREE Continuing Nursing Education (CNE) credits for listening to the podcast! Each episode offers valuable insights that contribute to professional development while keeping nurses at the forefront of behavioral health advancements.
Details on securing free CNE credits for Season 3 are included in each episode description - (Click to know more)
Season 4 CNE credits are available: Click here (opens new window)
Don’t miss the premiere! Subscribe now on your favorite podcast platform or visit emfp.org for updates. Follow us on social media for exclusive content and behind-the-scenes conversations.
We are thrilled to welcome you to the MFP/ANA Mobile App, a platform designed to connect Alumni like yourself in a mobile network of support and collaboration. Whether you are looking to share experiences, seek advice, or simply connect with like-minded individuals, this app is here to facilitate meaningful interactions within our community.
As an Alumni, your unique perspective and expertise are valuable assets that contribute to the richness of our network. We encourage you to explore the various features of the app, participate in discussions, and engage with fellow members to make the most of your experience. Together, we can create a supportive and empowering environment where ideas thrive and connections flourish.
To Connect:
- Use this link (opens new window) to access the community and create an account.
- Complete the 4 brief items to get the most out of the mobile app community including:
- Fill out your profile
- Introduce yourself
- Adjust your notifications so you know when things are happening
- Download the mobile app!
Thank you for joining us on this exciting journey. We look forward to seeing the positive impact you will make within the MFP/ANA Mobile App community.
