Over 20 years ago, following Armenia’s devastating earthquake of 1988, a group of visionary nurses in the Los Angeles area gathered to start an organization of Armenian nurses to be ready to respond to the call and assist the homeland. For over two decades members of the AANA have extended their services, time, and expertise to assist the community. They have collaborated with the members of the A
rmenian Medical Society of California and Armenian Dental Society of California and performed health-screening events in Armenian schools, screening students for lice, vision, dental health, and scoliosis. Moreover, they have assisted in community health fairs and offered services, consultation and education. They have staffed first aid booths in athletic and cultural events, taught CPR classes to teachers and scouts, educated school children about hygiene and various health related topics, and vaccinated the elderly by holding flu clinics in various church campuses and adult day care centers. AANA has partnered with the Office of Women’s Health and the Immunization Program Division of the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services to facilitate health delivery services for the community. It has also established collaborative efforts with the Armenian Relief Society. In addition to community involvement, AANA has also been active overseas, and is very proud to have sponsored the building of a brand new home for a village nurse in Haykavan, Karabagh. As the association has grown, it has also begun providing financial support to various organizations, including orphanages, nursing homes, and schools, as well as providing scholarships for nursing students. AANA is a tax-exempt non-profit organization and has approximately 90 members. The association holds monthly business meetings where activities are planned; members network, and attend continuing education topics. AANA is a member of the Armenian Medical International Committee and holds nursing workshops in the international world congresses.
