NINR’s Grady Delivers Keynote for 1st Indigenous Nursing Research Summit

NINR director Dr. Patricia Grady (c) participates in the blanket wrapping ceremony with Dr. Judith McFetridge-Durdle (l), dean of the FSU College of Nursing, and Dr. Kay Edwards, associate dean of academic programs and professor at Florida Atlantic University Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing.

Photo:  FSU PHOTOGRAPHY SERVICES/BILL LAX

NINR director Dr. Patricia Grady delivered the keynote address at the inaugural International Indigenous Nursing Research Summit of Florida State University’s new Center for Indigenous Nursing Research and Health Equity (INRHE). 

INRHE’s mission is to “attain health equity through research, education and service by partnering with indigenous peoples, communities, organizations and supporters globally.”

In her presentation “Advancing Health Equity in a Diverse World,” Grady discussed the challenges and opportunities facing the health community, including health disparities and health inequities. 

Among NIH’s efforts to advance health in all populations, Grady highlighted the establishment of the NIH Tribal Health Research Office in 2015. 

Grady also noted NINR’s support of research focused on improving the health of minority and indigenous populations, including research on breastfeeding, the mothering experience, beliefs regarding health care access and cancer pain among indigenous and Native American populations.

In her remarks discussing the future of nursing science and NINR’s commitment to a diverse nursing science workforce, Grady noted that NINR is “guided by the philosophy of Dr. Sarah McFarlane, who says we must ‘Think globally, act locally and collaborate internationally’ to engage and facilitate fully invested representative communities of nursing science.”

Also at the event, Dr. John Lowe, INRHE director, and his elder, Chief Jim Henson of the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians, dedicated the future INRHE site, including a traditional Native American blessing.