The week before Mother’s Day, moms and advocates for moms will come together at the National Mall in Washington, D.C. at the second annual March for Moms rally. Frontier Nursing University (FNU) will be in Washington, D.C. again this year as a proud sponsor of the event. Below, we answer some important questions you might have about the rally and why FNU is joining thousands of other healthcare providers, women and advocates in our nation’s capital on May 6th.
What is the March for Moms and why should I participate?
March for Moms’ mission is “to help align and coordinate the efforts of families, health care providers, policymakers, and other partners who are acting to achieve the best possible health and well-being for all mothers.” This is aligned with FNU’s mission to educate nurses to become competent, entrepreneurial, ethical and compassionate nurse-midwives and nurse practitioners who are leaders in the primary care of women and families with an emphasis on underserved and rural populations. At FNU, we are all about mothers because mothers are all about families.
Why is FNU supporting the March for Moms?
March for Moms’ platform is made up of bipartisan issues that FNU agrees are hugely important—from preventing an alarming rate of maternal death, to investing in moms with paid family leave. As a result of the rally, March for Moms hopes to establish maternal death review boards in every state, advocate for routine perinatal depression screening and mental health services, address causes of preterm birth, and acknowledge the role that racism and health inequity play in maternal health outcomes of women of color, particularly African American women.
FNU is involved because we want to be part of the solution. History shows that public discourse, protest and activism led by formal movements that are sustained over time will eventually begin to impact change. FNU will join together with March for moms and dozens of other organizations and consumers, health care professionals and policy leaders, businesses and diverse stakeholders, acting as one voice to be the change. The FNU community’s endorsement and participation in this even furthers the cause and passion of FNU’s founder, Mary Breckinridge.
Why do you feel it’s important for nurse-midwives and nurse practitioners to support this cause?
As recognized leaders in maternal and infant healthcare, Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNM) and Nurse Practitioners (NP) need to be politically active to help support change in important issues. There is no more important issue in healthcare than advancing and improving care for mothers. Improved care for mothers will inevitably affect positive change on families and communities. Nursing is historically one of the most trusted professions, thus making the voices of NPs and CNMs invaluable to the cause.
How can I get involved and make a difference?
FNU students, alumni, staff and faculty: Join the FNU March for Moms team in D.C. and participate in the rally on May 6, 2018. Find out details on our Facebook page or email Denise Barnett at Denise.Barrett@frontier.edu.
Businesses: Invest in the cause. Even a gift as little $10 can go a long way towards making sure the rally captures the attention of policymakers.
Citizens: Anyone can get involved. If you cannot attend or give, you can still be part of the action! Visit the March for Moms Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages and spread the word by sharing on your own social accounts.
