The National Coalition of Ethnic Minority Nurse Associations (NCEMNA) is a unified force advocating for equity and justice in nursing and health care for ethnic minority populations. Incorporated in 1998, NCEMNA is a tax exempt (IRS 501 (c) (3)) non-profit professional organization.

NCEMNA, Inc. is made up of five national ethnic nurse associations:

• Asian American/Pacific Islander Nurses Association, Inc. (AAPINA)
• National Alaska Native American Indian Nurses Association, Inc. (NANAINA)
• National Association of Hispanic Nurses, Inc. (NAHN)
• National Black Nurses Association, Inc. (NBNA)
• Philippine Nurses Association of America, Inc. (PNAA)

This collaboration gives voice to 350,000 minority nurses and to the lived health experience of a constituency marginalized from mainstream health delivery systems.

Its goals include support for the development of a cadre of ethnic nurses reflecting the nation's diversity; advocacy for culturally competent, accessible and affordable health care; promotion of the professional and educational advancement of ethnic nurses; education of consumers, health care professionals and policy makers on health issues of ethnic minority populations; development of ethnic minority nurse leaders in areas of health policy, practice, education and research; endorsement of best practice models of nursing practice, education, and research for minority populations.

Accomplishments

• Publication of five white papers on the status of ethnic minorities health and recommendations for nursing research (Nursing Outlook 2001-2002)
• Development of a research and training agenda related to eliminating health disparities and increasing the pipeline of minority nurse investigators
• Collaborative workshops with the National Institute of Nursing Research (2000 and 2002)
• Presentation of "Eliminating Nursing Shortage: Ethnic Minority Nurses An Untapped Source" at the Biennial American Nurses Association, July 2002