IL SJR0065

Declares 2020 as the "Year of the Nurse and Midwife" in Illinois, aligned with the World Health Organization's designation marking Florence Nightingale's 200th birthday.

Recognizes 185,992 registered nurses in Illinois, including 13,746 advanced practice registered nurses and 24,763 licensed practical nurses as the largest licensed health care profession in the state.

Notes 525 active certified nurse-midwives licensed through the Illinois State Board of Nursing and 129 schools of nursing operating in Illinois.

Acknowledges that Illinois nurse researchers received over $27 million in funding from the National Institute of Nursing Research since 2015 for evidence-based health improvement research.

Recognizes the vital role of nurses and midwives in health promotion, disease prevention, and healthcare delivery, emphasizing the need for investment in nursing education and workforce development.