MASSACHUSETTS NURSES ASSOCIATION ENDORSES SEAN GARBALLEY FOR STATE REP. (1-22-08)
Massachusetts Nurses Association
Contact: David Schildmeier (781) 821-4625 x717 or (781) 249-0430 / Diana Kelly-Williams, RN (781) 363-2745
Jan. 22, 2008
MASSACHUSETTS NURSES ASSOCIATION ENDORSES SEAN GARBALLEY FOR STATE REP.
Cites his commitment to health care and nursing issues
CANTON, Mass. — The Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA), the state’s largest union of registered nurses and health care professionals, announced its endorsement and support for Sean Garballey, as the Democratic candidate for State Representative in the 23rd Middlesex District, which includes Arlington and West Medford. The special primary election to fill the seat vacated by Rep. Jim Marzilli following his election to the Senate takes place on Feb. 5, 2008.
“Sean Garballey is a staunch advocate for health care and issues important to nurses and the patients they care for,” said Beth Piknick, president of MNA. “He is a strong supporter of the Patient Safety Act, pending legislation to protect all patients in our hospitals by setting a safe limit on the number of patients a nurse can care for at one time. As a member of the Arlington School Committee, he has a strong record of advocating for the health of children through his support for improved access to school nursing services.
“The Massachusetts Nurses Association is proud to support Sean Garballey in his bid for a seat in the Massachusetts House of Representatives,” said Donna Kelly-Williams, MNA Vice-President and Arlington resident. “Sean is a bright, energetic and dedicated public servant who will be a strong advocate for patient safety and safe RN staffing in hospitals. He is incredibly knowledgeable about health care policy, and he will bring a great energy to the State House.”
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Founded in 1903, the Massachusetts Nurses Association is the largest professional health care organization and the largest union of registered nurses in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Its 23,000 members advance the nursing profession by fostering high standards of nursing practice, promoting the economic and general welfare of nurses in the workplace, projecting a positive and realistic view of nursing, and by lobbying the Legislature and regulatory agencies on health care issues affecting nurses and the public.
[Posted verbatim, as received this AM from a media feed I subscribe to – Deb]