In recognition of National Nurses Week, May 6-12, the Santa Barbara Health Department’s nursing staff will be honored by the Board of Supervisors’ May 6 meeting.
The 2025 Nurses Week theme is The Power of Nurses.
“The purpose of the week is to lift up the incredible work of nurses who embody the spirit of compassion and care in every health care setting,” the Health Department said.
Each year, National Nurses Week begins on May 6 to mark National Nurses Day and ends on May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, founder of nursing as a modern profession.
“Nurses make a difference as trusted advocates who ensure individuals, families and communities receive quality patient care and services,” the Health Department said. “The week recognizes nurses for their contributions to the health care system, both in their role as expert clinicians in diverse care settings and as leaders who can dramatically influence the quality of care and overall performance of caring for patients.”
The nursing profession plays an essential role in improving patient outcomes, increasing access, addressing health disparities, and achieving health equity.
“Every day, nurses step forward embracing new technologies, resolving emerging issues, and accepting ever-changing roles in their profession,” said Kelley Barragan, county health’s director of Maternal Child and Adolescent Health (MCAH).
Barragan is this year’s co-chair of planning and implementing County Health Nurses Week.
“We celebrate all nurses, not just this week, but every day, because they are often unsung heroes. But, more often than not, nurses are the ones that positively impact patients, working with colleagues, organizations, and the health care industry as a whole to improve quality of care.”
County Health is celebrating its centennial anniversary this year in which nurses have played a critical role to ensure the provision of core and essential public health services to the entire community.
At the May 6 Board of Supervisor’s meeting, Supervisor Joan Hartmann will present a proclamation recognizing nurses’ commitment toward improving the health care status of members in our community through leadership and expertise.