American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Includes Funds for Nursing and Health Professions

National League for Nursing Urges Congress to Adopt Conference Report Including Vital $500 Million Provision

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New York, NY — February 12, 2009 — Reacting to the $789 billion economic stimulus bill expected to be approved by Congress later this week, the National League for Nursing praised the inclusion of $500 million for our nations nursing and health professions. A portion of this funding will help fill the nations current need for well over 140,000 registered nursing positions by providing a much needed increase in funding for the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Programs and the Title VII health professions programs administered by HRSA/HHS.

Said NLN CEO Dr. Beverly Malone, "Health spending is an engine of our GDP. In a time when the Bureau of Labor Statistics is estimating that jobs for registered nurses will grow by 23 percent, or 587,000 positions, through 2016 and the federal government predicts that education and health services will account for more than three out of every 10 new jobs created in the next seven years, these programs are tailor-made for inclusion in this vital boost to the American economy."

"Public spending on health care achieves good while aiding the economy in its hour of need, providing a pathway to jobs and a healthy economy. Title VII and Title VIIIs health professions programs are essential components of the nations health care safety net," added NLN president, Dr. Elaine Tagliareni. "As the voice for nursing education and nurse educators, the National League for Nursing will continue to advocate for the increased investment in nurse workforce development that is essential for the prosperity and health of all Americans."

For interview opportunities, please contact Karen R. Klestzick at
212-812-0376; kklestzick@nln.org.

Dedicated to excellence in nursing, the National League for Nursing is the premier organization for nurse faculty and leaders in nursing education, offering faculty development, networking opportunities, testing and assessment, nursing research grants, and public policy initiatives to its 28,000 individual and 1,200 institutional members who represent all types of nursing education programs.