Proclamations received from Erie, Niagara county legislatures

by Phyllis Wesolek
Grand Island Dispatch, October 22, 2004

A resolution was adopted by the Legislature of Erie County, signed by all 16 legislators, on Sept. 15, 2004, marking the 50th year of service to businesses of Erie County by the Western New York Chapters of the American Association of Occupational Health Nurses.

It states: “Whereas, Occupational and Environmental Health Nursing is the specialty practice that delivers health and safety programs and services to workers and communities, focusing on promotion and restoration of heath, prevention of illness and injury and protection from work-related and environmental hazards. The primary focus of WNYAOHN, Inc. is to meet the educational needs of its members and to advance the profession of occupational and environmental health nursing.” WNYAOHN’s scope of practice includes emergency preparedness.

A citation was received from the Niagara County Legislature signed by Chairman William L. Ross, extending thanks and gratitude to the Western New York Association of Occupational Health Nurses, Inc., for 50 years of outstanding service to the businesses of Niagara County.

It states: “Whereas, the Occupational Health Nurses have the mission to be the authority on health, safety and productivity, and disability management for worker population and Whereas, Occupation and environmental nurses are staunch advocates for all employees by supporting legislation, regulations and public policy that possibly impact occupational and environmental health nursing and these nurses blend knowledge of health and business with health care expertise to balance a safe and healthy environment.”

In the past two 50 years, the responsibilities of occupational health nurses have expanded immensely to encompass a wide range of job duties.