PNA North Houston is a501(c)6 non profit organization. If you wish to donate to our cause, you may do so safely through paypal .
Since 2011
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Why you should join PNANH

PNANH since its inception, has mentored, influenced, and inspired many members to achieve excellence in their professional practice. With the organization's education program, our nurses are exposed to learning, creating programs and best practices., develop leadership potentials and provide scholarship opportunities. PNANH offers a variety of community activities and outreach programs, earn free CEUs, and most importantly, gain friends. 
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PNAA's Position Statement

​                                                           Image by Vector Kunst from Pixabay 
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Position Statement
Emerging Coronavirus (COVID - 19) Disease
 
Description
 
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) initially reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) on December 31, 2019, is a novel coronavirus identified in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. On January 30, 2020, WHO declared the COVID-19 outbreak a global health emergency. On February 26, 2020, the first case of COVID-19 not associated with travel from China traveler, was reported in California. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), community spread of the virus has now been reported in the United States, with 566 cases identified as of March 9, 2020 in 32 states, with twenty-two deaths related to COVID-19 and the situation continues to evolve.  
 
Current risk assessment by the CDC:
  • For most people, the immediate risk of being exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19 is thought to below. This virus is not currently widespread in the United States.
  • People in places where ongoing community spread of the virus that causes COVID-19 has been reported are at elevated risk of exposure, with an increase in risk dependent on the location.
  • Healthcare workers caring for patients with COVID-19 are at elevated risk of exposure.
  • Close contacts of persons with COVID-19 also are at elevated risk of exposure.
  • CDC has established geographic risk-stratification criteria for the purpose of issuing travel health notices for countries with COVID-19 transmission and guiding public health management decisions for people with potential travel-related exposures to COVID-19.
A number of factors inform the geographic risk stratification including size, geographic distribution, and epidemiology of the outbreak. Travelers returning from China, Iran, Japan and Hongkong (affected international locations) where community spread is occurring also are at elevated risk of exposure, with an increase in risk dependent on the location.
​PNAA Position
 
It is the position of Philippine Nurses Association of America (PNAA) that: 
  1. The decision to put Safety First to protect patients, caregivers, family members, and the community, locally and globally, from this virus is of utmost importance. 
  2. We advocate for every human life especially the vulnerable, the elderly, the young, the sick and those with little or no access to healthcare.
  3. Healthcare workers, patients, significant others and the community are adequately educated with evidence-based information about COVID-19 and in basic infection prevention measures to stop the spread such as everyday preventive actions. We encourage communities to frequently wash hands, cover sneezes and coughs with a tissue, clean and disinfect touched objects and surfaces regularly, and to stay home when sick.
  4. As one of the frontline caregivers and first responders that we are effectively trained, perform protocols and do rapid communication with other caregivers to protect them from exposure as they manage and respond to this outbreak.​

        5. We will observe, promote, maintain                               personal  health optimum and strengthen                 our immune system by eating right, get                     enough rest/sleep and exercise.
      6. Care settings such as hospitals, clinics and                 the like have adequate personal protective                 equipment.​        
​      7. Support the guidelines provided by the                       Center for Disease Control, World Health                   Organization, and the American Nurses                   Association.
      8. Comply with external agencies'                                     recommendations as it relates to large                       meetings and gatherings to cancel these                   gatherings and consider using conference                 calls and video streaming.
     9. All PNAA international business travels                     along with domestic travel to large                               conferences or gatherings be suspended.         

​ PNAA recognizes the tremendous ongoing efforts of our nation’s healthcare providers and local and state public health officials as they respond to the growing threat of the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19). We appreciate our members who are working on the frontline and are prepared to address this outbreak. Our local chapters are committed in working closely with public health and hospitals in raising awareness and education about COVID-19 in our community.
 
Preparedness is key. PNAA supports ongoing efforts to address and prevent the community spread of COVID-19 along with the rapid development and identification of solutions to protect nurses, healthcare teams, and the public. As the situation continues to rapidly evolve, PNAA will continue to closely monitor the outbreak.
 
Recommendations for the General Public:  
  1. Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  2. Avoid touching your eye, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  3. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  4. Stay home when you are sick.
  5. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow, rather than into your hands.
  6. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
  7. Stay healthy, eat right, have enough rest/sleep/exercise, take your vitamins.
  8. Avoid large gatherings, unnecessary travel, meetings and cruises especially for the elderly population.
  9. If having respiratory symptoms, stay home, self-quarantine, ensure enough food, household supplies, medicines you are taking for about 2 weeks. Wear a mask if having respiratory symptoms to protect others.
  10. Seek prompt medical attention if respiratory symptoms are worsening such as fever, difficulty breathing and cough.  Inform the clinic staff ahead of time of your symptoms and put on a facemask before you enter a medical facility/or doctor’s office. These steps will help the healthcare provider’s office to keep other people in the office or waiting room from getting infected or exposed.
 
Resources:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/share-facts-h.pdf
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/summary.html  
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/sick-with-2019-nCoV-fact-sheet.pdf

Helping others during the Corona Virus Crisis

The Corona Virus created a havoc in the lives of so many people. The Philippine Nurses Association of Metropolitan Houston, (PNAMH) Foundation, feel so deeply the anguish particularly of the front-liners and their families, the families of those whom lost their loved ones, people who are sick of Corona Virus, those people who lost their job temporarily and permanently, and to the different resource agencies that provide assistance to these people such as the Houston Food Bank. Houston Food Bank has depleted their supplies and critically in need of our help. Having said that, the PNAMH Foundation is asking for your generous support to donate for a good cause. Your tax deductible donation to PNAMH Foundation will benefit resources like Houston Food Bank. Your donation, small or little, will go a long way. Please join us, PNAMH Foundation, in supporting this worthy cause.
Here’s how: Please make your tax deductible donation payable to PNAMH Foundation c/o Cleo Robinett, PNAMHFI President 16304 South Southern Stone Houston, Texas 77095. You will receive acknowledgment of your tax deductible donation from a PNAMH Foundation.
Thank you for extending your kind heart to those who are in need.

PNANH reached out to  Philippine Community!

sWhat started as a mere far-fetched plan, finally put into realization last Dec 23, 2019. It was June of last year when the position of Outreach Chair was offered to me. I was then a Co-chair and just facilitated a very successful Community Health Fair in Spring, Tx. It was from that health fair that the inspiration to bring this opportunity to serve and give back to our people in the Philippines arise. But, of course, given the limited time of planning and  resources, it was thought as impossible to make it happen for the near future, most likely not, before the year ends. But, stars aligned and God intervened! 
​Maybe, He doesn't want  me to lose this opportunity not to use my position and mobilize people  to make it happen!
 A more doable plan (not a health fair yet) of procuring at least 100 packs of hygiene kit to be distributed in the Philippines was created with the help of Co-Chair Lani Macusi and support of President Ira Martin . It was unanimously voted by PNANH EB to move forward with the plan. Persuading friends, co-workers, families and PNANH members was not a task at all, everyone voluntarily donated and contributed instinctively.  Donors contributed either monetary or in kind. Hygiene kit packing day was concluded last August 17, 2019 at Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital in  Houston, Tx. Participated by 27 volunteers who packed a total of 105 kits, exceeding more what we aim for, it was truly inspiring. The hygiene kit consist of 8 items and beautifully packed in different colors of drawstring backpack that the recipient can re-purpose. The kit includes : 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioner, bar soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, comb, washcloth and a hand towel. 
It was a conscious decision to look for a direct recipients and less fortunate kababayans in the Philippines. After searching for the right community, it was decided  to coordinate with True Manila and ask for their assistance in the distribution of these packages. True Manila is a self-advocacy project of Edwin Nombre. Born and raised in the dense population and slum area of San Andres Bukid, Philippines, he himself have experienced the harsh reality of living in poverty.  True Manila allows foreigners and Filipinos alike to see the "other side" and the daily living condition of impoverished areas in Manila. Edwin guides and bring anyone interested in seeing the slum areas, like a "slum tour." Thru this awareness and awakening, he was able to get donors and volunteers to help with the True Manila's project such as: providing food and clothing ( feeding the children before going to school), providing school supplies, supporting small local vendors (Side walk carts  and Food stands) where the donors buy foods or supplies to give to the children, cineMondays and cinemaFridays, free haircut, help celebrate a child's birthday, educational program and helping rebuild/repair houses, to say the least. 
True Manila volunteers and Barangay official of Onyx San Andres Bukid assisted during the distribution on December 23rd. It was a very humbling and rewarding experience during that day. A walk in the community, will already give you an experience of what challenges the residents go through. Children excitedly lined up to get their package. All 105 hygiene kits were distributed to 105 children representing their families. Only joyous faces full of smile and gratitude I personally witnessed is truly a sight to behold.   
I am proud to represent PNANH on that day. And  proudly worn my PNANH shirt together with other volunteers! PNANH have not only provided hygiene kit to these community, but, given them a glimpse of hope!
By NAthalie Laquindanum, RN

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PNA North Houston