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Haitian American Nurses Association of Illinois (HANA-IL)
Connecting, Empowering, and Serving the Haitian American Community in Illinois.
Who We Are
Our Mission
To create a forum to empower nurses of Haitian decent worldwide and advance the profession of nursing by promoting health and well-being for all through education, research, advocacy, and leadership.
Our Vision
To be a leading voice for Haitian American nurses in Illinois and the Midwest region, and to provide resources and support to the Haitian community and at-large.
President's Message
Welcome to the Haitian American Nurses Association of Illinois (HANA-IL)! We are a vibrant and growing organization dedicated to supporting our members and advancing the nursing profession. As President of the Midwest Regional Chapter, I am delighted you’ve decided to learn more about us.
Our vibrant and diverse community of Haitian nurses represents a wide range of expertise, including clinicians, practitioners, educators, researchers, scientists, philanthropists, and entrepreneurs, all united by a shared passion for service. We are committed to supporting Haitian-American nurses, advocating for the Haitian community, and addressing the health concerns of at-risk, underserved, and underrepresented populations.
At HANA-IL, inclusivity is at the heart of everything we do. We welcome nurses from all backgrounds who are seeking a supportive, collaborative space to connect with like-minded professionals who share a commitment to improving community health.
While proudly carrying the Haitian American Nurses Association name, our mission extends beyond our heritage. We strive to make a meaningful impact on all communities in need, creating lasting change through unity and purpose. We invite you to join us on this journey. Together, we embody the spirit of "L'union fait la force" – strength in unity.
Salitasyon zanmi Haitian American Nurses Association of Illinois (HANA-IL)! Nou se òganizasyon nan Illinois ki reprezante enfimyè ayisyen-ameriken nan zone nan.
Òganizasyon nou ap grandi e nou pran angajman pou sipòte enfimyè ayisyen-ameriken yo, defann kominote ayisyèn nan, epi abòde pwoblèm sante popilasyon ki an risk ak moun ki pa reprezante yo. Kòm Prezidan Chapit Rejyonal Midwès la, mwen kontan ou te deside aprann plis sou nou. Nou envite w vin jwenn nou nan HANA-IL. Pas bliyé “l'union fait la force".
Warmest regard,
Patricia Nabal
DNP, BS, APRN, FNP, RN-BC
President, HANA of Illinois
1st Vice President's Message
Welcome! On behalf of the Haitian American Nurses Association (HANA) of Illinois, we are delighted to welcome you to our chapter. Your membership brings fresh ideas and energy to our organization, and we are thrilled to have you as part of our community.
HANA of Illinois is dedicated to serving the Haitian community as well as the broader local communities we support. We warmly invite you to share your suggestions and feedback as we work together to strengthen our chapter and make a meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve.
Warmest regards,
Valerie M Aurel-Sherman
MSN, ARNP, FNP-C
1st Vice President, HANA of Illinois
Executive Board
Patricia Nabal
DNP, BS, APRN, FNP, RN-BC
President
Valerie Aurel
MSN, APRN, FNP-BC
1st Vice President
Paulalex Etienne
MSN, RN
2nd Vice President
Fabienne Fify McDaniels
DNP, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC
Secretary
Jude Valery-Avinger
MSN, RN
Treasurer
Yves-Myr D. Holland
MSN, APRN, FNP, RN-BC
Parliamentarian
Monique JB Germain
MSN, RN
Historian/Immediate Past President
Jessica Joseph
BSN, RN
Student Ambassador
Germaine Desruisseaux
MSN, APRN, FNP-BC
Chaplain
What We Do

1

Health Fairs
We organize health fairs to provide access to health screenings, education, and resources.

2

Community Outreach
We conduct community outreach programs to educate the community on health issues.

3

Advocacy
We advocate for policies that improve the health of the Haitian American community.
❤️ Fevrye: Mois Sante Kè
Fevrye se mois sante ké. Maladi kè se premye kòz lanmò fanm. Men kèk bagay ou dwe konsidere pou pran swen kè ou:
  1. Suiv tansyon ou.
  1. Suiv nivo sik nan san ou.
  1. Sispann fimen.
  1. Pas manje manje ki gen anpil sèl, sik, oubyen grès.
  1. Fòk ou fizikman aktif pou omwen 30 minit chak jou pandan senk jou nan semèn nan.
Upcoming Events
HANA-I Day On The Hill
Join us on Capital Hill as we meet with our local legislators to discuss issues of concern in our communities.
Date: February 5, 2025
Interest Meeting
Join us at Malcolm X College for our first meet an greet of the year. We'll have a short presentation with light refreshments. We can't wait to meet you!
Date: February 14, 2025
2nd Cultural Nurses Consortium
Join this special convening of all of the nursing cultural organizations in the Chicago-land area.
Date: TBD
Past Events
1st Annual Cultural Nurses Consortium - January 2024
Clothing Giveaway in Collaboration With Daughters of Haiti - October 2023
March of Dimes March For Babies - April 2023
Bethlehem SDA Back to School Drive - August 2023
HANA-I Leadership Convention Gala hosted by HANA-IL at Malcolm X College, Chicago, IL
HANA-I Leadership Convention hosted by HANA-IL at Malcolm X College, Chicago, IL
Hope In A Handbag: MLK Day of Service Project - January 2023
Join HANA of Illinois
Become a member of the Haitian American Nurses Association of Illinois (HANA-IL) and connect with a vibrant community of Haitian-American nurses. Membership provides access to valuable resources, networking opportunities, and a chance to make a difference in the lives of others.
Membership Benefits:
  • Networking events and opportunities to connect with other Haitian-American nurses.
  • Access to exclusive resources and information relevant to Haitian-American nurses.
  • Opportunities to participate in community outreach and advocacy efforts.
  • Professional development workshops and seminars.
  • Automatic membership in the Haitian Alliance Nurses Association International (HANA umbrella chapter).
❤️ February is heart health month!

1

Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water throughout the day.

2

Eat a Healthy Diet
Focus on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

3

Get Regular Exercise
Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
Follow Us
Contact Us
For questions about HANA-IL, please contact us at: info@hanaofillinois.org.
Copyright © 2025 Haitian American Nurses Association of Illinois (HANA-IL)