The Oklahoma City Area Chapter of AACN has grown leaps and bounds since our transformation in 2004. We literally have transformed from a dormant chapter into one that strives to exemplify AACN's vision through collaboration and leadership. Following the theme "Reclaiming Our Priorities," our chapter identified several needs in our local community and developed a plan of action. In 2006, we formed a position within our board that would serve to develop our community service efforts in the Oklahoma City metro area.
We began by supporting Positive Tomorrows, a community-supported program that helps support and educate homeless children and their families. This program proved to be a great success and propelled our chapter into developing a crucial relationship with homeless children in the Oklahoma City community. For our next endeavor, we partnered with the local Lions Club. With an outpouring of contributions from local hospitals, optometrists and area businesses, we collected more than 400 pairs of eyeglasses, which exceeded our own expectations.
Over the last several years we have developed a strong relationship with our local schools of nursing. Nursing students are encouraged to attend both our board and member meetings. These meetings help develop the skills to become leaders in nursing and have helped many students to contribute to their community. Through this relationship we were able to financially support the Student Nurses Association in providing flu shots to local college students, free of charge. We are continuing to develop more programs that will impact the Oklahoma City community in a positive way, always staying true to AACN's promise of excellence. With each opportunity, we have dedicated ourselves to fulfilling AACN's vision and will continue to help the community so that we may contribute to a healthier tomorrow.
