Houston-Gulf Coast Chapter

Excellence in Chapter Community Education & Public Service

The Houston-Gulf Coast Chapter (HGCC) of AACN has been long committed to providing community education and public service activities. The Community Outreach Committee has proven to be an asset to the greater Houston metropolitan area. The committee is exceptionally busy in meeting the healthcare needs of the community and often times collaborates with other organizations to provide education and services to the community.

Fiscal Year 2009-2010 Community Outreach Events

HGCC participated in the following events during fiscal year 2009-2010.

March 7, 2009 – Westbury United Methodist Church, Houston, Texas

• AACN booth provided “Show and Tell” items from intensive care unit and cardiac catheter lab, including:
  • Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) balloons
  • Pacemakers
• Provided education regarding heart health and risks of high blood pressure

July 18, 2009 – Sloan Memorial United Methodist Church, Houston, Texas

• Provided blood pressure screening and diabetic education to members and visitors attending health fair

August 8, 2009 – Dawson High School, Pearland, Texas

• AACN hosted a “Show and Tell” booth with items from ICU
• Provided blood pressure and cholesterol screenings
• Provided basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) education — inlcuding how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED)

October 31, 2009 – Spirit of Life Ministries, Houston, Texas

• AACN hosted booth
• Provided blood pressure screening
• Provided general healthcare information
• Obtained blood specimens for cholesterol screening

Community Outreach Speaking Engagements

In addition to participating in the health fairs noted above, our Community Outreach Chairperson, Yvonne Singletary, spoke at the following engagements:

February 14, 2009 – Women’s Day Conference

• Focused on women and heart health

February 28, 2010 – Star of Hope Transitional Living Center (TLC)

• Spoke with residents about women’s health issues

May 9, 2010 – Black Nurses Association’s Annual Health Symposium

• Provided education on the American Heart Association’s STEMI initiatives

Community Feedback

At each event, we have had such positive feedback from the community, noting appreciation for the education provided by our critical care nurses and have been invited to return the following year. After providing education on the use of an AED at Dawson High school, the school contacted the chapter during the school year to tell us that the AED was used on a student that collapsed. The school was very appreciative of the education we provided to their school.

Star of Hope TLC Holiday Event

One activity that our chapter looks forward to co-sponsoring each year is the holiday event at Star of Hope Transitional Living Center for women and children. This event is hosted in conjunction with the Flipino Nurses Association, Veterans Administrative Nurses and Latino Nursing Society. Each year we bring food and gifts to the women and children of the shelter.

Usually, a nurse's husband dresses up as Santa Claus to pose for pictures and hand-out the gifts. We sing Christmas carols and serve food and drinks to the women and children. This is an extremely rewarding experience for all involved and we look forward to this event each year.

HGCC Recognized by Houston Mayor

In the fall of 2009, the HGCC submitted an application to the city’s community outreach department with evidence of the projects and programs our chapter has been involved with in the community. On November 17, 2009, the Houston-Gulf Coast Chapter of AACN was presented with a proclamation from the city of Houston signed by Mayor Bill White for services provided to the community. After receiving this recognition, our chapter is even more committed to providing education and health services to our community members.