Michelle L. Cook

State Representative Michelle Cook (D – Torrington) will be recognized by the Connecticut Nurses Association during its virtual 2020 Awards Celebration on November 9, 2020 at 6 p.m. for her work to support the state's nurses.

"I am honored to be selected by the Connecticut Nurses Association for this award. Nurses across the state, as well as other health care professionals, have had to sacrifice so much to care for our state's residents. During the pandemic, they continue to risk their health to care for patients and protect our communities. My oldest daughter is a nurse and I've seen firsthand how she's been impacted. We owe our nurses a debt of gratitude," said Rep. Cook.

Rep. Cook has been selected as the 2020 recipient of the Agnes Ohlson Award for Outstanding Contributions to Nursing Through Political Action for her commitment to understanding the issues nurses face and their concerns to shape policy that enhances the profession and quality of care for patients. This past year, Rep. Cook coordinated a recognition ceremony at the State Capitol to honor the Year of the Nurse and the Nurse Army Cadet Corp., however the event was cancelled due to the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Representative Cook is a strong advocate for nurses, and understands their important role and unique expertise on the healthcare team. As an advocate for what is best for the citizens of CT, she consistently takes the time to listen, and understand evidence-based information to inform her decisions. As a member of the Public Health Committee, Rep. Cook has advocated in support of nurses in all settings, including supporting measures to allow APRNs to practice under their full scope of licensure.  She received recognition from the CT APRN Society for her support of the 2014 APRN Legislation and moved the nursing home staffing bill of 2019 forward," said Kim Sandor, Executive Director of the Connecticut Nurses Association.

The Agnes Ohlson Award is one of seven Diamond Jubilee Awards that recognizes service, innovation, and achievement in the political arena that contributes to the advancement of nursing and/or the improvement of health care in Connecticut. Nominees have a history of advocating for policy at the local, state or national level to resolve health care issues, influencing the course of the profession, and serving as role models for stakeholders in health care.

 

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