To: County of Sonoma Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): Department of Health Services
Staff Name and Phone Number: Nolan Sullivan, 707-565-4774; Amelyn Olson, 707-565-2696
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): Countywide
Recommended Action:
Title
Adopt a Gold Resolution proclaiming May 6 through May 12, 2026 as National Nurses Week in Sonoma County, honoring the vital contributions of nurses to public health and community well-being.
End
Executive Summary:
Since 1974, the week of May 6 through May 12 has been recognized in the United States as National Nurses Week, acknowledging the invaluable contributions of nurses and honoring Florence Nightingale, who was born on May 12, 1820. By adopting this Gold Resolution, the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors formally recognizes the essential role of nurses in promoting public health and enhancing the well-being of county residents.
The 2026 international theme, ‘Our Nurses. Our Future. Empowered Nurses Save Lives,’ emphasizes the critical role nurses play in protecting and improving community health. It highlights that supporting, investing in, and empowering nurses strengthens health systems, improves outcomes, and ensures a healthier future for all. This theme recognizes nurses as key leaders whose expertise, advocacy, and clinical skill directly save lives and promote community well-being. County nursing staff are integral to assessing community health needs, driving preventive health initiatives, and guiding vulnerable populations toward improved physical and mental well-being.
Discussion:
The 2026 theme from the International Council of Nurses, ‘Our Nurses. Our Future. Empowered Nurses Save Lives,’ underscores the essential role nurses play in holistically safeguarding the health of individuals, families, and communities. Nurses are uniquely positioned within the health system to assess needs, provide direct care, and respond to emerging health challenges affecting both physical and mental health.
Through their clinical expertise, advocacy, and trusted relationships, nurses enhance the effectiveness of health systems, improve outcomes, and ensure a healthier and more resilient future for all.
Nurses also advocate for systemic changes that promote health equity and address social determinants of health. They collaborate with policymakers, community organizations, and underserved populations to eliminate barriers to healthcare access, improve health literacy, and champion preventive care.
Nurses conduct health assessments, provide education, and connect individuals to community resources, serving populations with diverse health, social, and economic needs. They play a key role in public health crises, including investigation and management of infectious disease outbreaks, case management for children with complex medical needs, maternal-child health support, protective services for children, vulnerable adults, and the elderly, as well as disaster response efforts. Their work reduces health disparities and ensures equitable access to care for all residents.
In recognition of National Nurses Week, the Board of Supervisors is encouraged to adopt the Gold Resolution to formally acknowledge the dedication, expertise, and compassion that nurses bring to their work every day. Their commitment to public health and direct patient care strengthens both individual and community health, and this resolution serves as a formal expression of appreciation for their invaluable contributions to improving health outcomes across Sonoma County.
Prior Board Actions:
Resolutions proclaiming the Week of May 6 through May 12 as National Nurses Week in Sonoma County have been adopted for many years, most recently on April 22, 2025.
Fiscal Summary
Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
None
Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
None
Attachments:
Attachment 1 - Resolution
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
None