Central Carolina Black Nurses Council
Members on the Move
Recognizing Members
Accomplishments
This page recognizes the accomplishments of CCBNC members and their contribution and work in our communities to decrease healthcare disparities through advocacy education and health promotions.
May - October 2018
Kiana Cooper spoke on a panel to a group ou UNC students regarding the experience of being a new grad.
Sheilds Rodgers accompanied a group of 9 graduate and undergraduate nursing students from UNC to Austrailia to learn about their healthcare system.
Shielda Rodgers received the Excellence in Education Award fron UNC School of Nursing in 2018.
Bertha Williams’ contract to teach in the RN to BSN distance program for the seated program with WSSU was renewed.
Connie Kelley-Sidberry was the chair for a very successful community event in Raleigh entitled ” The Second Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias Community Summit” on September 22, 2018 @ Martin Street Baptist Church. Other CCBNC members on the planning committee were Gracie Gaskin, Connie Levister and Helen Horton.
Katrice Hester has been precepting UNC nursing students. She provides her students with a taste of real world nursing and expectations.
Edena Thomas attended her high school reunion and connected with many friends. She also volunteers at voter registration centeres in Durham.
April 2018
CCBNC partnered with Community Health Coalition at the NCCU Women’s Health Awareness Day on April 7th. Both groups provided volunteers to perform Blood Pressure and Blood Glucose screening; distributed health information on Blood Pressure, Diabetes, Heart Disease. We also provided information and had discussions with participants about organ donation. According to news reports approximately 700 residents from Durham and surrounding counties attended the event. Gracie Gaskins, Helen Horton and 3 of the students in the UNC Mentors2 Program –Charity Lackey, Cierra Franklin and Kunmi Walker volunteered from CCBNC.
Congratulations to Darlene Cooper for being honored and recognized as one of Cone Health (Greensboro) 2018 Nursing Excellence recipients. Darlene was one of the Diversity and Inclusion winners. The winners were selected from among the 2018 honorees for promoting and advancing a culturally diverse and inclusive patient care environment as well as demonstrating high levels of community volunteerism. The honorees were the highest scoring nominees from their campus/division at Cone Health (Triad HealthCare Network).
Thanks Darlene for carrying on CCBNC’s mission in the workplace. We are so proud of you!
March 2018
Connie Kelley-Sidberry, Willie Gilchrist-Stanfield, and Helen Horton attended the North Carolina Association of Nursing Students Conference (NCANS) in Charlotte on 3/10. CCBNC sponsored an exhibitor table with info about CCBNC. We spoke with about 15-20 students. Member Pricilla Ramseur, CNO of Duke Raleigh gave the opening keynote address – “Diversity in Nursing: The Real Facts” at the NCANS Conference.
On March 18, 2018 Erma Smith-King provided Informational table display of fat, salt, sugar and fat model in recognition of March as Nutrition and Colon Cancer Awareness Month – provided literature to ~50 people. This event was held at Hargraves Recreation Center in Chapel Hill, NC, from 3 pm to 5 pm in conjunction with the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Area Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. monthly meeting
On March 25th Helen Horton did presentation for the Raleigh-Wake Chapter of NAACP. The presentation was on the topic of Diabetes and was entitled “Diabetes: Take a Walk in My shoes”. The discussion was given from a personal perspective of Diabetes and its effect on health and finances as runs rampant in her family.
On March 26th Priscilla Ramseur was the guest speaker at Wake Tech Community College in honor of Women’s History Month. Priscilla gave a thought provoking presentation about her journey – successes and challenges in the field of nursing from student to CNO. She ended the presentation with the message to “Never Give Up” on your dreams and that sometimes you have to step outside your comfort zone to accomplish what you want.
February 2018
Edena Thomas, Connie Kelley-Sidberry and Helen Horton participated in a panel discussion on their nursing careers and information about CCBNC with the Minority Nursing Student Association at UNC on 2/15/18.
Erma Smith-King provided an Informational table display of fat, salt, sugar and fat model in recognition of February as Heart Health Month – provided literature to ~ 50 people. This event was held on February 18th at Hargraves Recreation Center in Chapel Hill, NC, from 3 pm to 5 pm in conjunction with the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Area Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. monthly meeting
CCBNC held its first Membership Drive and Awareness Program on February 24, 2018. Member Kiana Cooper gave an enlightening presentation entitled “Why A Black Nurses Organization?” where she gave an overview of the start of professional nursing organizations to a brief history of NBNA and CCBNC. Two new members joined because of this event.
Connie Levister, Connie Kelley-Sidberry and Helen Horton in Partnership with Community Health Coalition volunteered at a health at the Good Samaritan Baptist Church in Garner, NC on 2/28/18. The group performed blood Pressure and Blood Glucose screening and distributed health information on Heart Disease, Blood Pressure and Diabetes for the church seniors. Approximately 30-40 seniors attended the event.
January 2018
Helen Horton participated in MLK Day of Giving sponsored by YMCA in Raleigh by assisting with packaging individual bags of beans from a bulk supply to donate to local Food Banks (1/15/18).
Erma Smith-King coordinated the 28th Annual MLK Blood Drive at Hargraves Recreation Center in Chapel Hill. This event was sponsored by the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Area Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. in conjunction with the American Red Cross and Hargraves Recreation Center.
Barbareta McGill assisted with making items for Project Linus; a non-profit organization that provide homemade blankets to children in need.
January 2017
- CCBNC held it’s Annual Meeting on January 21, 2017 at D & S Cafeteria in Raleigh, NC. . The purpose of the meeting was three-fold – to develop a strategic plan for 2017, to promote team socialization and interaction and to strengthen team comradarie through open communication. Everyone enjoyed a great lunch after the meeting.
February 2017
- Helen Horton, Connie Kelley-Sidberry and Connie Levister attended NBNA Day On Capitol Hill at the Washington Court Hotel on February 2, 2017. The theme for the day was “Addressing the Epidemic of Violence: NBNA’s Call to Action – Addressing the Epidemic of Gun Violence.
2015 Annual Education-Lecture Luncheon
Dr. Ronnie Ursin, chief nursing officer of the Northern Louisiana Medical Center and former board member of the National Black Nurses Association, chronicled the changes in health care during his presentation for the 25th Annual Educational-Lecture Luncheon on December 5 at the Friday Center in Chapel Hill. The event was sponsored by the Central Carolina Black Nurses’ Council, Inc. He reminded the audience of the dynamic nature of the healthcare environment and the need to embrace changes that support safe and quality patient care.
A highlight of the event was awarding the Patricia Daniels Ruffin Scholarship of $1,000.00 to Kiana Cooper to support her nursing education. Ms. Cooper is a junior nursing student at Winston Salem State University. The Patricia Daniels Ruffin scholarship is awarded to a nursing student who exhibits exemplary community service.
Connie Kelley-Sidberry volunteered with Enroll America by assisting with phone banks at WRAL TV studio, area churches and at Advance Community Health Center.
Peketa Long volunteered 100+ hours at the medical clinic for the uninsured at Urban Ministries of Raleigh to provide medical services to about 45 clients throughout the 2015 calendar year.
Helen Horton and Connie Kelley-Sidberry attend NBNA Day on Capitol Hill in Washington DC on February 4, 2016. The theme for the conference was “Addressing The Epidemic of Violence: NBNA’s Call to Action”. In addition to hearing from a host of dynamic speakers on the topic of violence and addressing the issues of advocacy for seniors, we had the opportunity to attend the White House Briefing on “Addressing the effects of violence on the African American Community”.
Willie Gilchrist-Stanfield and Erma Smith-King had a wonderful time at the 20th Anniversary Leadership Awards for Healing with CAARE honoring the work of the community and helping to keep Dr. Sharon Bynum’s dream alive. CAARE, Inc. provides free medical and dental clinics, as well as nutrition, health and wellness services for the Durham community. CCBNC is proud to support CAARE.
The Keynote speaker for the occasion was Deputy Surgeon General Rear Admiral Sylvia Trent Adams.
Betty Borden volunteers with the Mobile Food Market – Inter-Faith Food Shuttle the third Saturday of each month to distribute groceries and fresh produce for the underserved in the Durham community. A temporary market is set up where individuals and families who need food can “shop” for free! Families can choose the foods they enjoy. Deliveries are also made to the elderly and shut in who cannot get to the market to pick up their food.
Dr. Erma Smith-King ‘s article, “Sectoral decision making: Structures, processes and trust” was published in Management Decision in April 2015. Management Decision, Vol. 53 Iss: 7, pp.1545 – 1559
October 2015
Helen Horton and Willie Gilchrist-Stanfield participated in a health Fair and Screening held at the Brookridge Apartments on Saturday, October 24, 2015. Helen & Willie represented CCBNC by providing the residents with health information on diet and nutrition, Hypertension, Diabetes, Exercise and preventive care for Breast and Prostrate cancer.
August 2015
Betty Borden, Kiana Cooper, Helen Horton, Willie Gilchrist-Stanfield, Erma Smith-King and Bertha Williams attended the NBNA 43rd Annual Institute and Conference, held in Atlanta, Ga, July 29 – August 22, 2015. The focus of the conference was “NURSING: Multidisciplinary Approaches to Patient Centered Care”. There were lots of informative workshops and opportunities to network and re-connect with other nursing professionals and vendors.
March 2015
Helen Horton, Connie Kelley-Sidberry, Erma Smith-King and Bertha Williams attended the 4th Annual Statewide RIBN Conference in Greensboro on March 17th. The title of the conference “4th Annual Statewide Regionally Increasing Baccalaureate Nurses (RIBN) Conference – The RIBN Journey: Into the future focused on NC’s progress with reaching the goal of 80% BSN nurses by 2020.
February 2015
Helen Horton, Erma Smith-King and Connie Kelley-Sidberry attended NBNA Day on Capitol Hill on February 5th. The topic of the day was “Patient Centered Care: Public Policy, Advocacy and Legislative Issues”. The speakers led discussions on Health Care for Veteran Women, 2015 Health Policy Issues, Nutrition as a Vital Sign, and Improving Transition of Care.
Helen Horton attended the NCNA Legislative Briefing February 9th. This was an opportunity for NCNA to communicate and collaborate with leaders from at least 16 different specialty nursing organizations regarding anticipated legislative issues for the 2015 session.
Connie Kelley-Sidberry and Helen Horton volunteered with Get Covered America/Enroll America to assist with registration for insurance benefits at Martin Street Baptist Church.
January 2015
Willie Gilchrist-Stanfield, Erma Smith-King, Nicole Caviness, and Helen Horton volunteered with Campaign 4 Change on January 9th to do a group presentation on Healthy Plate and healthy food choices.
April 2014
Kiana Cooper volunteered to assist with Hope Run for hospice organizations in the Winston Salem area on 4/1. She helped to direct and support the 10k runners during their run.
March 2014
Helen Horton, Connie Kelley Sidberry, Willie Gilchrist-Stanfield, Erma Smith King, and Bertha Williams participated in the 4th Congressional District Health Fair sponsored by Congressman David Price on March 29th. CCBNC members distributed health information on Nutrition and healthy eating, Exercise and the importance of moving as well as other health topics. We also share a poster on Project Move and our efforts to involve the community.
Connie Kelley-Sidberry and Helen Horton participated in Martin Street Baptist Church “Exercise Into Great Health – Part 2 program on March 8th. The group was led into 2 hours of Zumba exercises and line dancing routines. What a workout! This program supported Relay for Life.
Kiana Cooper assisted visually impaired bowlers with bowling or with others services such as acquiring food or assistance to the restrooms at the Blind Bowler’s Tournament on March 22nd. She also volunteered at the Golden Living Rehabilitation Center on 3/12 by assisting her grandmother in leisure activities and basic needs to assist with becoming more comfortable at the facility. Date of Activity:3/12
February 2014
Erma Smith-King conducted First Aid Training at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church on 2/1/14. Ten participants completed the training. Erma also participated in blood pressure screening on 2/2/14.
Erma Smith-King, Connie Kelley-Sidberry and Helen Horton attended NBNA Day on Capitol Hill on February 6th. An impressive number of nurses attended and enjoyed a number of presentations – “ACA and RNs, CRNs and APRNs” by Frank Purcell, BS; “Nurses Leading in the Era of Healthcare Reform” by Pier Broadnax, PhD, RN; “social Media and E-Advocacy” by Christian Clymer, Deputy VP for Public Affairs, Keynote Luncheon Address by Deborah Barksdale, PhD, Board member PCORI …….
January 2014
CCBNC, Inc. was awarded a $1000 grant from the NBNA Obesity Initiative to continue with PROJECT MOVE for the 4th cycle. Project Move is expanding to include CCBNC members and members of the surrounding communities. We will continue to focus on living a healthier lifestyle by exercising more and eating healthier while either maintaining a healthy weight or losing weight. The goal is to become better role models for the community we serve.
December 2013
- Helen Horton trained to become advocate/educator for Enroll America to educate and offer enrollment assistance in an effort to maximize the number of people enrolled in health coverage through the Affordable Care Act. She also attended her first community forum to hear the information presented by more experienced volunteers.
- Connie Kelley-Sidberry, Toni Thomas and Helen Horton volunteered at the Durham Center for Senior Living for their monthly “Stay Fit For Life” program on December 10th. The group participated by performing Blood Pressure Screening and distributing health education on blood pressure and stroke.
November 2013
Wanda Wilkins was very active in a number of activities during the month on November:
- Participated in Transplant Awareness Day at UBC
- Provided Canvassing for The Affordable Care Act for Get Covered America
- Participated in Boom! Blast Lifestyle Expo for Seniors, a Durham County event @ Northgate Mall
- Participated in the Autism 5K Run/Walk in Raleigh, NC
- Participated in the Pretty in Pink Walk @ Northgate Mall in Durham, NC
Bertha Williams was appointed a member of the Lincoln Health Care Foundation Board Member
Karen Sullivan participated in a Phone Bank by making donor thank you calls for Interact on November 11th..
On November 2nd Joyce Roland presented a paper on Publication for Graduate Students at Southern Regional Educational Board. Joyce also attended a Writer’s Forum Community Effort (coordinated) sponsored by the Durham Business & Professional Chain on November 19th.
October 2013
- Karen Sullivan attended a 4-session workshop to become trained as a volunteer for Interact. She also participated in a Handbag Exchange for Domestic Violence Month on October 24th.
- Joyce Roland facilitated a Breast Cancer Panel at St. Paul AME Church in Chapel Hill for Breast Cancer Month on October 23rd.
September 2013
Helen Horton, Connie Kelley-Sidberry, Erma Smith-King, and Bertha Williams attended the Joint Meeting of the RIBN (Regionally Increasing Baccalaureate Nurses) Advisory Committee and the NC Future of Nursing Action Coalition’s BSN and Higher Degree Taskforce on September 24th. The meeting focused on discussing the successes and challenges to date and small work group discussions on:
- Building a Common Course Catalog for RN-BSN state funded programs
- Developing RN mentorship program for RIBN students
- Efforts to increase diversity in our future nursing workforce
August 2013
The following eight members of CCBNC attended the 2013 NBNA 41st Annual Institute and Conference in New Orleans July 31 – August 4: Helen Horton, Jabar Akbar, Bertha Williams, Connie Kelley-Sidberry, Edena Thomas, Gloria Anderson, Willie Gilchrist-Stanfield and Lily Richardson. These members attended a variety of education forums, workshops and institutes. In addition, they took the time to enjoy the sights and scenes and foods of New Orleans.
The following represents a few of the programs attended:
- Presidents’ Leadership Institute
- Diversity and Inclusion
- APN and the Affordable Care Act
- The Power of Social Media: Educating on Policy, Empowering Your Voice, Engaging Individuals
- Obesity Institute
- Geriatric Curriculum
- Genetics Workshop
June 2013
- Helen Horton, Edena Thomas and Bertha Williams were active participants in the NCCU First Lady Walk-A-Thon. Helen & Toni assisted with BP screening and distributing health literature. Bertha provide the welcome on behalf of Dr. Elaine Hart-Brothers.
May 2013
- Helen Horton & Charlotte Ruffin-Knight participated in the Community Health Coalition Annual Community Meeting and Health Fair on May 17th. They assisted with Blood Pressure Screening, Blood Glucose Testing and provided information about available resources. The purpose of this event is to build awareness of healthcare programs and services, to provide health education and to encourage participants to make healthier lifestyle choices.
March 2013
- Kelli Armwood was accepted into the Duke University NP Program. She anticipates starting in August 2013.
- Erma Smith-King received the A&T University Nursing Alumni Achievement Award on March 21st.
- Angeline Baker was the recipient of the 2013 Distinguished Alumnus Award at the Annual Helen Miller S. Miller Lecture and Lunch Program on March 7th.
January 2013
- Bertha Williams was the speaker for White Rock Baptist Church Titus Women Breakfast/Lecture. Her topic was “Maintaining Wellness”.
- CCBNC was awarded a $1000 grant from the NBNA Obesity Initiative to continue with PROJECT MOVE. Project Move is a program for CCBNC members to focus on living a healthier lifestyle by exercising more and eating healthier while either maintaining a healthy weight or losing weight. The goal is to become better role models for the community we serve.
OCTOBER 2012
Helen Horton
- Participated in the NephCure Walk and was available to do blood pressure screening for the walk participants. The NephCure Foundation is the only organization solely committed to seeking a cause, cure, and effective treatments for the kidney disease FSGS and Nephrotic Syndrome.
SEPTEMBER 2012
Barbaretta McGill
- Posted early voting locations for Orange and Alamance Counties in the church vestibule. Voting Guides and Sample Ballots are also being posted. She is also working with the transportation ministry to assist with transportation to early voting as well as for Election Day.
Erma Smith-King
- Signed up with the Ministerial Alliance in Orange and Chatham counties to drive voters to the poll on November 6th, particularly senior citizens.
Willie Gilchrist, Connie Kelley-Sidberry & Helen Horton
- Attended an informational meeting in Fayetteville to meet with a group of nurses interested in starting a new Black Nurses chapter in the Fayetteville area. LaShonda Wallace, NBNA member spearheaded the meeting. Lots of excitement in the air!
Connie Kelley-Sidberry, Connie Levister, Helen Horton
- Volunteer with Organizing For America in Garner, NC. All participate in Voter Registration, Neighborhood Canvassing, and Telephone Banking and data entry.
JULY 2012
Helen Horton, Erma Smith-King, Bertha Williams, Willie Gilchrist-Stanfield, Connie Kelley-Sidberry, Betty Borden, and Lily Richardson
- Attended the NBNA Convention in Orlando Florida. Member had lots of opportunities to reunite and network with nurses across the country, attend educational workshops, open forums, exhibit hall, the nursing innovation center and much more….. Erma Smith-King was a recipient of the Institute of Excellence Award. She attended a celebratory luncheon where all the recipients were honored.
JUNE 2012
Gloria Anderson and Helen Horton
- Participated in the Walk-A-Mile-With-A Child project sponsored by the Durham Academy of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmacy and the North Carolina Institute For Economic Development as a part of the initiative to fight obesity in children. Gloria and Helen did blood screening and provided health information on Salt, Fat and Sugar content in certain foods.