Our History / Legacy
The seeds of BNAA were planted on September 16, 1967, when nine nurses gathered in a spirit of unity and purpose to form an association to support their professional and social well-being. Their first official meeting was held in October 1967, and on November 18 of the same year, the first officers were elected. BNAA was formally incorporated in the State of New York in May 1969, with five charter members: Nola Nurse (Founder), Muriel Bushelle, Joyce Codrington, Marjorie Taitt, and Joan Stuart.
Joyce Craig proposed our motto, “Unus Est Vis Et Res Secundae”, "Unity is Strength is Success"
The crest, a nurse’s cap resting on the broken trident of Barbados, was designed by Muriel Bushelle. Over the years, BNAA has remained resilient, responsive, and contributed to community health in the U.S. and Barbados. The organization provides scholarships, conducts health fairs, and offers educational support and charitable aid to numerous organizations and individuals. From our first Scholarship Luncheon in 1970 to the present, we have consistently honored our past while shaping the future.
Our Contributions Span:
Our contributions span:
- Educational scholarships
- Health fairs and screenings
- Medical missions
- Advocacy and health policy forums
- Collaborative programs with churches, schools, and non-profits
- Ongoing support to Barbados Organization of Retired Nurses (BORN Haven), Nurses House USA, and Food for the Poor.
"Celebrate the Past - Embrace the Future"
The Barbados Nurses Association of America, Inc., founded in 1967 by a group of dedicated nurses has survived many challenges and continues to maintain its viability. Every effort has been made to live up to the motto: Unity is Strength is Success. Much credit must be given to the dedication and commitment of our predecessors who were faithful to the association, remained focused, and made every effort to ensure that ideals were not compromised. The association benefited from twelve past presidents who were instrumental in its success. Two of these past presidents have been with the group since its inception and are still actively involved; Wilmoth Cumberbatch-Richards and Jennylyn Griffith.
Affiliations are maintained with professional and other social organizations. The goals to provide charitable, educational, and humanitarian services are actively pursued. The main source of income is derived from fund raising and membership support. Fund raising events are held annually. The Awards Luncheon and Journal Publication are held every five years. The Eunice Coppin Scholarship Award was changed from Health Care and is now granted to students pursuing a career in nursing with the hope that this will serve as an incentive to encourage others to join the profession.
The Association continues to promote improved health care awareness and has participated and assisted with health forums related to Breast and Prostate Cancer; Pediatric Cancer; Multiple Myeloma and Colorectal Cancer. The association has also conducted community health screenings for Blood glucose and Blood pressure; assisted various churches with health fairs; and presented a forum on Hypertension, Diabetes, and Patient Safety.
Within the past five years contributions were given to various charitable causes in the New York Metropolitan area and Barbados. Included in these are contributions to Barbados Organization For Retired Nurses (BORN); Sunshine Group for Pediatric HIV and the HIV Foundation, Barbados; New York
Chapter of Sickle Cell Foundation; Wyckoff House; Nurses House; Mr. A. Walker; honorarium for heroic efforts; C. Corbin Fund; Repertory Impact Theater; and Teens Helping Each Other. Also, numerous contributions were made to other not-for-profit organizations.
As the Barbados Nurses Association of America, Inc., celebrates the past and embraces the future we ask for God’s guidance and direction as we continue to build on the solid foundation that was laid by all the dedicated nurse who live up to the motto: Unity is Strength is Success.