Dedicated to Health and Racial Equity in the NICU
The neonatal nurses of the National Association of Neonatal Nurses (NANN) are dedicated to creating better outcomes for premature babies and their families. Statistics concerning the racially related health disparities for premature infants are sobering NANN. For example, Black infants born prematurely in the United States have a higher mortality rate (35%) compared to their White counterparts (30%), and both Black and American Indian/Alaska Native (AIAN) infants have higher rates of preterm births and low birth weights. These disparities are oftern linked to broader social and economic inequities, including access to prenatal care, maternal health conditions, and systemic racism.
Equity nursing matters, providing equitable aims for everyone. NANN is dedicated to health and racial equity, which we have intentionally and thoughfully included in our organizational strategic pillars. Use the links below to learn more and access resources to help you advance equity in the NICU.
NANN Virtual Recorded Sessions
Ethical Considerations at the Edge of Viability: Perspective is Everything
Building upon the four principles of bioethics, Frank Xavier Placencia, MD MS, explores ethical considerations, with special attention to the principle of justice. In this General Session from the 2020 NANN Annual Conference, he also explores how perspective influences how we view the "truths" of prematurity.
Racial Disparities in Birth Outcomes: Considering the Environment Outside of the Hospital Walls
In the United States, NICUs are disproportionately populated by non-Hispanic black infants because of high preterm birth rates among black women. In this session from NANN's 2020 APRN Summit, Dr. Burris, challenges all of us to move outside of our hospital walls to consider factors beyond the control of individual women―such as pollution and exposure to neighborhood violence―that together may contribute to unequal chances at a healthy term birth. Heather also discusses how a societal movement will be required to address inequity that starts before an infant even takes a breath.
NANN Position Statement
Racial Disparities in the NICU
This NANN position statement reviews racially related health disparitites for premature infants and offers nine recommendations to advance healthcare equality for all infants in the NICU regardless of race, culture, parental economic or educational status, or geographic area.
NANNcast Podcast Episode
Starting the Conversation: Racial Disparity in the NICU
NANNcast, podcast host Jill Beck sits down with NANN President, Joan Rikli, to discuss data relating to racial and health disparity in the NICU, steps NANN is taking to address racial disparity, and how nurses can drive change in their NICU. Jill and Joan are also joined by Nicole Dixon, nurse manager at Atrium Health, for an open, candid conversation on Nicole's experience as an African American NICU nurse. Listen to the full episode on Apple Podcasts or your preferred podcast streaming platform.
NANN Statement on Racial Injustice
NANN believes in the equality of all human beings, despite race, gender, sexual identity, or creed. For too long, America has maintained a culture of racial disparity and we believe it is time for a change. Read NANN's full statement to learn more on how the organization plans to address racial inequality moving forward.
NANN Statement on Asian American Racism
NANN condemns the violence and ongoing racism directed at Asians, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders. In alignment with our stance against health and racial inequities, we stand in support of all Asian members of the neonatal community and beyond. View NANN's full statement on how the organization is dedicated to developing and implementing activities that promote equality.
September 2019 Editorial
Racial Disparities in NICUs: Not in My Unit?
Joan Rikli, then president of NANN, writes about racial inequalities in NICUs, including data found on health disparities in neonates and what actions can be taken to promote positive outcomes. Read the full September 2019 Board Update.
External Resources on Health and Racial Equity
American Journal of Nursing: Get Our House in Order
This webinar focuses on addressing steps nursing professionals can take to confront structural racism from within. The webinar recording is available for free viewing.
Advances in Neonatal Care: Becoming an Antiracist Neonatal Community
This journal article summarizes health inequities within the perinatal/neonatal population and offers strategies for initiating conversations and improving health equity by challenging bias and increasing diversity. Read the full article today.