Former Senator Debbie Stabenow Earns National Honor with the NLN Public Policy Advancement Award

Former Senator Debbie Stabenow Earns National Honor with the 2024 NLN Public Policy Advancement Award

Michigan Lawmaker Helped Author Nation’s Affordable Care Act & Led in Passing Bipartisan Legislation to Advance Mental Health & Children’s Health Services

Washington, DC – The National League for Nursing announces that former Senator Debbie Stabenow of Michigan has been honored with the 2024 National League for Nursing Public Policy Advancement Award. This annual honor recognizes congressional leaders who contribute to the nation’s progress in health care, nursing, and nursing education.

In their letter to the former senator, NLN Chair Patricia Sharpnack, DNP, RN, CNE, NEA-BC, ANEF, FAAN, Dean and Strawbridge Professor at the Breen School of Nursing and Health Professions at Ursuline College in Ohio, and NLN President and CEO Beverly Malone, PhD, RN, FAAN said:

“Throughout your career in public service, you have been one of the nursing profession’s most steadfast advocates. Your enduring commitment to improving access to health care for the people of Michigan and the nation reflects your education in social work and is evident in your contributions as a member of the Senate Finance Committee and its Subcommittee on Health Care and as the chair of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee. The National League for Nursing deeply appreciates your exemplary leadership and service, proving your exceptional worth as this year’s public policy advancement honoree.”

When she retired following her previous senate term, Senator Stabenow left a distinguished legacy that reflects a deep dedication to advancing the health and welfare of all Americans. Among her proudest achievements was leadership in bipartisan legislation to safeguard the nation’s agricultural sector, including the integrity of our food supply, and to craft public health policies and legislation to broaden general health equity, along with improved access to vital mental and behavioral health services.

She was an author of the historic Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), signed into law by President Barack Obama, which opened the door to greater health protections for uninsured Americans and led to a significant advancement in health care access for at-risk children. Her influence was also vital to implementing supplemental nutrition programs and in promoting environmental health. 

Also, as an author of the ACA, Senator Stabenow championed a landmark demonstration to support graduate nursing education and led the effort to expand that concept in introducing the “Educating Future Nurses Act” to establish a permanent National Graduate Nurse Education Program, which provides clinical training to advanced practice registered nurses. She was steadfast in calling colleagues’ attention to the nation’s stubborn nursing shortage and pressures affecting nursing practice. In a challenging legislative environment, Senator Stabenow was a tireless voice for uninterrupted and increased federal funding for nursing education and workforce development programs. The National League for Nursing is honored to have the privilege of acknowledging the outstanding contributions of former Senator Debbie Stabenow.

For more information about the National League for Nursing Public Policy Agenda, visit NLN.org.

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