MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2017 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Simmons (12th), Barnett, Frazier, Jackson (32nd), Norwood, Parker, Stone
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE LEGACY AND PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE OF THE ELIZA PILLARS REGISTERED NURSES OF MISSISSIPPI.
WHEREAS, the Eliza Pillars Registered Nurses of Mississippi is an "Organization Dedicated to Excellence in Health Care"; and
WHEREAS, in 1945, a group of black registered nurses in Jackson, Mississippi, saw an urgent need for an organized nurses' group. The challenges they faced individually were insurmountable. These nurses worked tirelessly to form a group that could provide resources and support for professionals whose nurses were so desperately needed in our state. The Steering Committee saw many late-night meetings, which forced them to pool resources to create something bigger than all of them could create individually. The City of Jackson and surrounding areas eventually saw their bold efforts to fruition as the then-dubbed Black Registered Nurses' Club became a reality; and
WHEREAS, in the late 1950s, the name was changed to the Eliza Pillars Registered Nurses' Club in honor of Miss Eliza Farish Pillars. Miss Pillars was the first black registered nurse to be employed by the Mississippi State Board of Health on February 1, 1926. Her portrait, as of 1991, now hangs in the Mississippi State Board of Health foyer. Miss Pillars was born in Jackson, Mississippi, on April 26, 1892, and died June 15, 1970, at the age of 78. Miss Pillars is buried in Garden Memorial Park in Jackson; and
WHEREAS, Miss Pillars was the 14th and last recipient of the Mary Mahoney Medal for distinguished service to nursing and the community at the Essex House in New York on January 25, 1957. This medal was the highest award given by the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses; and
WHEREAS, the vision of these predecessors continued to manifest, and in 1984 organizational plans for the State Association began. The association was divided into seven thriving statewide districts and the name was changed to its current nom de plume – The Eliza Pillars Registered Nurses of Mississippi (EPRNM); and
WHEREAS, past State Presidents include: Eulanda Armstrong, 2013-2015; Kaye Killings Mayfield, 2011-2013; Betty Young, 2009-2011; Barbara Field, 2007-2009; Dr. Audwin Fletcher, 2005-2007; Cheryl Rainey, 2003-2005; Dr. Sonja Fuqua, 2001-2003; Meg Brown, 1999-2001; Stella Harris, 1997-1999; Dr. Renée Williams, 1995-1997; Delores Johnson, 1993-1995; Norma West, 1991-1993; Rita Wray, 1989-1991; and Margaret Johnson, 1985-1989; and
WHEREAS, today EPRNM is committed to promoting distinguished community leadership and partnering with other organizations to provide health care education and other community services. EPRNM mentors student nurses, awards nursing scholarships, and supports continuing education needs of its members and recognizes their professional opportunities; and
WHEREAS, these health care professionals are an example to others of how to live your convictions with courage, and it is with great pride that we honor the legacy and leadership of this public health service organization:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby recognize the legacy and public health service of the Eliza Pillars Registered Nurses of Mississippi, and extend our best wishes for the continued success of these health care professionals.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the State President of the Eliza Pillars Registered Nurses of Mississippi, forwarded to the State Board of Health, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.