The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) has unveiled a new public awareness campaign, “We Choose NPs,” during its 2018 National Conference which took place at Denver’s Colorado Convention Center from June 26 – July 1, 2018. The multimillion dollar integrated campaign will raise awareness of nurse practitioners’ (NPs) critical role in expanding access to primary care for millions of Americans and showcase actual patients who choose NPs as their health care providers.
Over 5,000 NPs from across the country will attended the conference and previewing the television ads, which will air nationally on Fox and Friends, CNN, and MSNBC, in select markets on Good Morning America, The Today Show and Ellen, and on radio in key markets. The campaign will be supported by a patient-focused website and blog, WeChooseNPs.org, as well as a robust program of digital advertising, media relations and events designed to reach consumers nationwide.
New data recently released by AANP shows that the NP profession is growing to meet the challenge of the nation’s health care shortages, with more than 248,000 NPs currently licensed to practice in the United States and approximately 23,000 NP students entering the workforce every year.
“NPs are the provider of choice for millions of families across the United States,” said AANP’s President, Joyce Knestrick, PhD, C-FNP, APRN, FAANP. “We conduct over one billion patient visits each year. From rural to urban areas, and in every care setting, NPs are leading the way in providing high-quality, accessible health care for all. This year’s conference and our new campaign demonstrate NPs’ unparalleled commitment to expanding primary care access – and emphasizing patients’ choice of primary care providers.”
Beyond the conference’s broad focus on primary care, NPs working in primary, acute and specialty care will attend over 300 sessions and 40 skill-enhancing workshops covering a range of topics – from safe prescribing practices to help combat opioid addiction to telehealth. This year, attendees will support Denver Health’s Newborns in Need, a program of Denver Health Foundation that provides every baby delivered at Denver Health Hospital a good start in life through the donation of a Warm Welcome bag that contains baby essentials such as diapers, a sleep sack, bibs, socks, hats, pajamas, blankets, baby lotion, baby shampoo, a stuffed animal and a book.
Additionally, AANP has partnered with Musicians On Call to host a benefit concert to bring the healing power of music to hospitalized patients. Musicians On Call is a nonprofit that adds a dose of joy to life in a health care facility by delivering live, in-room performances to patients undergoing treatment or unable to leave their beds.
“This conference is our signature event showcasing the outstanding care NPs provide to communities and patients across America,” said Knestrick. “We want America to know, when patients choose, patients win.”