"I'm on Capitol Hill": BSNA students lobby on health issues in Black communities
February 28, 2020
Written by Lataijah Beadle BS ’20 | President, Black Student Nurses Association
In early February 2020, eight NYU Nursing students, including myself and two other members of the Black Student Nurses Association (BSNA), were delighted to join the National Black Nurses Association’s Greater New York Chapter (NBNAGNYC) on their annual “Trip to Capitol Hill.” For students involved in the BSNA, events are a way for us to set our books aside for an hour or more and reconnect with students, faculty, and non-faculty nurses. Most importantly, they allow us to engage in conversation on topics and policies that are near and dear to our hearts, affecting our local communities.
First stop, the Washington Court Hotel Grand Ballroom, for the National Black Nurses Association’s “Day on Capitol Hill.”
In the Grand Ballroom, NBNA chapters from across the States were all dressed in red for National Wear Red Day (February 7) for heart disease awareness. We were greeted with breakfast and a welcome address by NBNA Board Member and Chair Dr. Sheldon D. Fields and remarks from NBNA President Dr. Martha A. Dawson. This year’s focus was on “Addressing the Social Determinants of Health.” Such factors that disproportionately affect members of the Black community include socioeconomic status, where low-income families are not able to afford quality meals, and education, where children are not able to learn to their best ability because they do not have nutritious meals to fuel the brain — or there may be a lack of educational resources, like after-school programs or libraries, in the community.
A panel of speakers gave us in-depth information and statistics on topics affecting our communities, such as “Closing the Gap on Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities” and “The Need to Prohibit the Sale of All Flavored Tobacco Products.”
Second stop, Capitol Hill, for a 10:30 am appointment with Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, 8th District of New York.
Our group divided in two. My group — Prof. Selena Gilles, the NBNAGNYC community chair; and Dr. Julius Johnson, president of the NBNAGNYC; two other BSNA members; and myself — met with Rep. Hakeem Jeffries’s legislative assistant, Disha Banik, while Prof. Sandy Cayo and four students met with Jasmin Palomares, legislative aide to Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand.
We spoke to Banik about the need to ban flavored tobacco products. E-cigarette companies use strategic packaging to market to minors. Still unaware of the current effects of such products, we know the future effects are less likely to be positive. I have three younger sisters, and I understand what it’s like to be peer pressured and wanting to fit in. But also, what child does not want a bubble-gum-, lemon-twist- or mint-flavored product they see in a store decorated with bright colors, fruits, and cool lettering?
Another student lobbied for better mental illness policies. She has a close friend who was affected by seeing a parent struggle with mental illness. Oftentimes the focus is only on the individual battling the illness, which is expected; however, we should also involve the family members who provide care for that person and think about how this might be affecting them.
Last stop, Washington Court Hotel Grand Ballroom, for a debrief. Each NBNA chapter spoke on their experience and the topics they lobbied for.
Visiting Capitol Hill was amazing. I was able to meet nurses and fellow nursing students from other states who are passionate about bringing change to their communities. Prior to this trip, the thought of speaking to government officials was terrifying. What do I say? How do I say it? Will they listen? And will they understand the message I am trying to get across? This trip helped me overcome my fears. I am now more confident in advocating for nurses and our community.
In some Black communities, like my own, where there is limited access to resources, we try hard to not become a product of our environment. As I progress into starting my nursing career, one of my goals is to spark change in our communities. We have the power, knowledge, and determination to create our own opportunities that will help us thrive; all it takes is for us to join together and make that first step towards a better tomorrow. As a soon-to-be nurse, there are so many different specialties I can go into. I have not figured mine out just yet, but with anything I do, helping to build my community will always be a priority. You cannot choose where you come from, but you can choose to make it better.
I am thankful for the opportunity that the NBNA and Profs. Cayo and Gilles gave us students to know, feel, and witness what it is like to be a catalyst for change. The BSNA looks forward to hopefully joining the Day on Capitol Hill in 2021 and in many years to come.