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AANA Presents U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici with National Health Leadership Award
The award recognizes her support for nursing workforce funding and CRNA education, including backing a bill to protect Title VIII programs, AANA said.
The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology presented the 2026 National Health Leadership Award to U.S. Senator Susan Collins and U.S. Representative Suzanne Bonamici during its Mid-Year Assembly in Washington, D.C., held April 24-29.
Established in 1992, the award honors federal officials who contribute significantly to national health policy, recognizing support for the vital role Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists play in providing cost-effective, quality anesthesia services.
Senator Collins, who chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee, sponsored the Senate Title VIII Reauthorization bill and advocates for classifying CRNA education as "professional degrees" to strengthen nursing workforce development.
Representative Bonamici, co-chair of the House Nursing Caucus, sponsors the Improving Care and Access to Nurses Act and the Ensuring Veterans Timely Access to Anesthesia Care Act to expand healthcare access and lower costs.
CRNAs safely administer more than 58 million anesthetics annually across the United States in settings ranging from traditional hospital surgical suites to critical access hospitals, military facilities, and pain management specialist offices.