Community Health Nurses of Alberta's Beginnings
In April 2004, the Community Health Nursing Unit, Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary hosted a luncheon. Community Health Nursing leaders and educators were invited to discuss ways to create connections between Community Health Nurses in Alberta. A Development Group was formed from interested CHNs (Rosemary Burness, Genevieve Currie, Brenda George, Nina Hrycak, Christina Murray, Alison Nelson, Joseph Osuji, Gayle Rutherford, Roxie Thompson–Isherwood).
In early 2005, an online survey was created to assess interest in a provincial group for CHNs. Information on the survey was sent to all PHN and HHN leaders in each Regional Health Authority in Alberta, as well as to Health Canada offices. Articles and notices were placed in the Alberta RN and the APHA Promoter in 2005 asking CHNs to email CHNA if they were interested in forming a provincial CHN network. A CHNA display board was present at the APHA Social Determinants of Health Conference in March 2005 and the Calgary Breastfeeding Conference in June 2005.
CHNA’s Supporters
The former executive of the Alberta Community Health Nursing Society (ACHNS) supported CHNA’s development and provided a Past President for CHNA’s Interim Executive Board. The Community Health Nursing Unit, Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary provided financial support for the website and members' only Blackboard. The Alberta Association of Registered Nurses granted financial support for CHNA’s development as an SPG.
Name Change to CHNAlberta
Our abbreviated name changed from CHNA to CHNAlberta in June, 2009 at the 3rd National Community Health Nursing Conference in Calgary.
(updated November 2010)