A new organization dedicated to honoring the service and legacy of nurses has been established in Alabama’s Black Belt, serving five counties and ensuring that those who have spent their lives caring for others receive recognition for their contributions.
The Black Belt Nurse Honor Guard of Alabama is a newly chartered, volunteer-based organization serving Chilton, Dallas, Marengo, Perry and Wilcox counties. Its mission is to recognize, celebrate and preserve the legacy of registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) who have dedicated their careers to caring for patients and strengthening their communities.
The chapter is one of 10 organized across Alabama under the Alabama Nurse Honor Guard, which is a member of the National Nurse Honor Guard Coalition.
More than 100 nurses representing the state's 10 chapters gathered in Cullman for the organization's inaugural conference, which also included visiting nurses from Florida.
The Black Belt chapter will provide ceremonial tributes and memorial services honoring nurses, as well as community outreach programs highlighting the important roles nurses play in public health, patient advocacy and community well-being.
Through these efforts, the organization seeks to ensure that nurses, both past and present, are recognized with dignity, respect and appreciation for their lifelong commitment to serving others.
As part of its initial outreach, the Black Belt Nurse Honor Guard has introduced its volunteer services to funeral homes, nursing homes and hospice agencies throughout its five-county service area.
The organization also received initial seed funding from the Alabama Nurses Foundation, helping establish the chapter and launch its services.
The Black Belt Nurse Honor Guard is led by nurses representing the five-county region.
Officers include Dr. Shelicia Morton Ford, RN, president; Barbara Roberts, RN, vice president; Dr. Kalia Cook, RN, secretary; Dr. Constance Smith Hendricks, RN, treasurer; and Cynthia West, RN, public relations coordinator.
Additional members include Dorothy Chapman, RN; Jeanne Evans, RN; Clara Moore, RN; and Carolyn Ratcliff, RN.
The organization has also designated Vera Jenkins Booker, RN, as its first honorary member.
Through its ceremonial services and community involvement, the Black Belt Nurse Honor Guard hopes to preserve the contributions of generations of nurses while bringing greater awareness to the dedication and compassion that define the nursing profession.
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