FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 24, 2024
Columbus, Ohio – Today, nurses and health professionals from around Ohio rallied for safe staffing at the 2024 Nurses & Health Professionals Lobby Day at the Ohio Statehouse. This year’s theme is “Understaffing = Patient Care Crisis,” to highlight the importance of having safe staffing in Ohio’s hospitals.
“We are in a dire patient care crisis in Ohio,” said Rick Lucas, BSN, RN, CCRN, Ohio Nurses Association President and Executive Director. “The way hospitals have been doing things is failing everyone. Every day nurses and other health professionals are subjected to workplace violence, unsafe staffing, and burnout. Ohio’s hospital patients, nurses, and health professionals deserve better!”
During the event, attendees heard from Ron Smith, father of the late Tristin Kate Smith, a dedicated Ohio nurse who tragically lost her life to suicide in August 2023 due to the daily struggles she and other nurses endure—short staffing, workplace violence, and the dire lack of mental health support. Tristin shared the details of the challenges in a “Letter to My Abuser.”
“Unfortunately, healthcare executives ruthlessly prioritize profits over people,” said Ron Smith. “They turn a blind eye to our suffering and desperate cries, diverting funds meant for patient care to silence us through their high-priced lobbyists and special interest accomplices. We need Ohio’s legislators to pass crucial legislation like House Bill 285.”
Introduced in September 2023 by Ohio Representatives Haraz N. Ghanbari and Elgin Rogers, Jr., House Bill 285, the Nurse Workforce and Safe Patient Care Act, aims to bolster support for nurses and prioritize patient safety. The bill includes legally enforceable minimum nurse-to-patient staffing standards, whistleblower protection, and a loan-to-grant program to strengthen the nursing workforce.
Contact: Michelle Day
Director of Communications & Technology
mday@ohnurses.org
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About ONA
Formed in 1904, the Ohio Nurses Association is a powerful network of nurses and health professionals. Our mission is to unite and empower nurses and health professionals, championing their rights, promoting professional practice, and advocating for quality care for all patients in Ohio, while fostering a strong and cohesive professional union community. To learn more or to become a member of the Ohio Nurses Association, visit www.ohnurses.org.