Indian american nurse’s association

The success of an organization depends on the unity and commitment of its members. Equally important is the number of members the association has and the member strength we can derive from it to bring

A look back on IANA

The Indian American Nurse's Association of Houston has become a leading organization of nurses of Indian origin today. Organizing this year's Gala Night and the inauguration of the National Association of Indian Nurses of America are testaments to IANA's growth and maturity.

We could not have achieved this growth without the sacrifice and hard work of so many pioneers of great vision and dedication. It was in 1982 when Indian Nurses Association first formed in Houston under the leadership of Mary J. Abraham. Due to numerous hurdles and problems it did not reach its goal and became inactive.

After 12 years, in September 1993 we started discussion about forming IANA of Houston. Mary Roy was the founding member of this new organization with the help of a few other nurses. Aleyamma Samuel then President of the New Jersey chapter was the mentor for the founding members. The first election was held in June 1994. Mary Roy was elected as the President, Mary Abraham as the Vice President, Leela Thayil as the Secretary and Mariamma Thomas as the Treasurer. We conducted several educational programs, the first Gala Night with a cultural program and the Miss Kerala Pageant and Dinner in May 1995.

Here are some of IANA's endeavors. We:

* Helped establish the NCLEX and CGFNS center in Kerala

* Conducted numerous programs and educational courses\

* Gave CPR training and Breast Cancer awareness programs for the Indian Community

* Organized health fairs for local communities

* Gave charitable donations to the needy

* Awarded cash scholarships for high school graduates and 24 nursing students

* Supported the Malayali Association by donating items to the Kerala House and providing a rolling trophy for their sports tournament

* Volunteered time and talent to go with medical missions to under developed countries

* Volunteered time to work at the Doctors' charity clinic.

* Celebrated Nurse's Day every year with outstanding topics and guest speakers. These gatherings were made memorable with cultural programs and gourmet food.

* Conducted a seminar on Metabolic Syndrome with over 200 nurses in attendance on 2-18-2006.

* Conducted another seminar on Evidence Based Practice on May 5, 2007 at the Southwest Holiday Inn.

* Publihed the first souvenir in commemoration of our hosting the National Association of Indian Nurses of America (NAINA) inauguration on 5-4-2007 at the Houston Marriott Westchase Hotel. This souvenir is a result of the dedication and determination of many hard working individuals of IANA.

* Under the leadership of IANA President Mary Thomas, IANA hosted the inaugural session of National Association of Indian Nurses of America (NAINA) on 5-4-07 at the above hotel. Among the more than 400 honored guests were Texas Congressman Nick Lampson, the Honorable Consul General of India Mr. S.M. Gavai, RNs from new and forming chapters in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Florida, California,Oklahoma, Washington D.C, New York, Dalla and Illinois.

And now, our members are serving as board members for several national associations.

The Indian American Nurses Association of Houston has grown to a level where all Indian nurses can be proud of this valuable organization and its activities. Let's continue our strong presence in our community and our families, and enjoy IANA's further growth.

Contributed by:
Elsy Thottam Saramma Jacob
Mariamma Thomas
Mary Thomas

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