Political policies, especially those concerning health care and cancer care, are constantly changing. It’s hard to stay up to date with the constant evolution of events on Capitol Hill. ONS works to make certain that oncology nurses are represented during discussions that impact their practice, as well as the whole healthcare arena. Learn more about the happenings on the Hill that potentially could impact oncology nurses.
ONS Opens New Office in Washington, DC
To support ONS’s extended efforts to represent oncology nurses in the political arena, the society has opened a dedicated office in Washington, DC. This stand-alone satellite office will offer a place for ONS representatives to hold meetings, prepare for speaking engagements, and report on the amazing work they’re doing—among the myriad other advocacy-related responsibilities they face on a daily basis.
The new office is located at 444 North Capitol St. NW, #601, Washington, DC. The acquisition of the DC office will allow ONS to better serve its members in the political arena now and in the years to come.
President Obama Addresses Opioid Abuse Epidemic
On March 29, President Obama spoke with a panel of experts at the National Rx Drug Abuse and Heroin Summit in Atlanta, GA. The group discussed new interventions and funding options to combat the United States’ high number of prescription drug abuse cases. The White House also issued letters to state governors regarding the best practices to employ when fighting against the opioid epidemic. This comes on the heels of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s new guidelines regarding opioid prescriptions.
Despite the intentions of limiting opportunities of abuse, some in the healthcare community, including ONS, have voiced concern over the possible problems that could arise from limiting access to opioids and other pain management medications. With more than 14 million cancer survivors in the United States, many of whom rely on opioids to manage chronic, life-long pain, it’s yet to be seen how these new regulations will come to affect those suffering and recovering from cancer diagnoses.
ONS Member Appointed to Blue Ribbon Panel Advising Scientific Direction of Cancer Moonshot
ONS member and past president, Deborah K. Mayer, PhD, RN, AOCN®, FAAN, has been appointed to the Blue Ribbon Panel that will help inform the scientific direction of the National Cancer Moonshot Initiative. The Blue Ribbon Panel will report to the National Cancer Advisory Board, who will advise the National Cancer Institute later this summer.
With more than four decades of oncology nursing practice, research, education, and management experience, Mayer will be a valuable asset to the Blue Ribbon Panel as it works to advise the NCAB. “This is a wonderful recognition and opportunity to bring nursing and patient perspectives to this prestigious panel,” Mayer said. “Our work will be significant in identifying opportunities to reduce the burden of cancer.” As a cancer survivor herself, Mayer maintains a clinical practice working alongside patients with breast cancer. Her research focuses on issues facing cancer survivors as well as improving quality patient care. She was the sole nurse selected to the panel.