Whereas, Nurses provide the most direct and continuous care to populations of every age and in every environment of care; and,

Whereas, Nursing has been proven to be an indispensable component in the delivery of safe, effective, quality care for patients in virtually every setting; and,

Whereas, Nurses generate and use specialized knowledge, skill and caring to improve the health status of the public; and,

Whereas, Nurses volunteer countless hours to their professional and other organizations to address health, health policy, and professional issues; and,

Whereas, Each year the demand for nursing services will increase because of the aging of the Michigan population, continuing expansion of life-sustaining technology, increasingly complex health care needs of Michigan citizens, and the explosive growth of residential and home care services; and,

Whereas, The development and maintenance of a vital nursing workforce in Michigan is of concern to all of our residents; and,

Whereas, National Nurses Week, beginning May 6, 2003, provides an excellent opportunity to extend our appreciation and gratitude to the nurses of Michigan who serve twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week throughout the State; and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim the week of May 6, 2003, as Michigan Nurses Week, and ask that all residents of Michigan join me in honoring the nurses who care for all of us. In addition, I encourage all citizens to show appreciation for accomplishments in the field of nursing and efforts to improve the health of our state not just during this week, but at every opportunity throughout the year.