In September, various members of District 2 participated as volunteers in a United for the Homeless event organized by the Salvation Army in Tuscaloosa. This initiative involved the purchase and distribution of new underwear, the provision of meals, blood pressure screenings, and the dissemination of educational resources.

In October, Pat Green, a member of District 2, was honored with the Outstanding Retired Nurse Award at the state convention held in Birmingham and has also received a nomination for the Nurses Hall of Fame.

In November, several members from ASNA District 2 were formally inducted into the newly formed chapter of Chi Eta Phi, Mu Eta Eta, in Tuscaloosa.

On December 7th, District 2 hosted a Christmas social. Additionally, District 2 is preparing to purchase, prepare, and serve food for 300-400 individuals at the community soup bowl scheduled for Saturday, December 28th.

Numerous members of District II are actively preparing to participate in the upcoming Homeless Connect event scheduled for February 8th.

This event will offer attendees the chance to resolve minor legal matters, acquire a driver's license, obtain a Social Security card, secure a birth certificate, and access other vital documents. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to seek employment, enjoy showers and haircuts, and receive medical and dental care. A complimentary meal will be provided, and attendees will also have the chance to shop at no cost for clothing, linens, hygiene products, and more. It is expected that several hundred individuals will benefit from the services offered on that day.

The Alabama State Nurses Association District 3 January report highlights several key updates and accomplishments as we start the year. First, we are pleased to announce the results of our recent elections. Marie Wilson, MSHQS, MSN, RN, has been elected as the new District 3 Treasurer. With her extensive qualifications and experience in healthcare and nursing, including her MSHQS, MSN, and RN credentials, we are excited about the valuable contributions she will bring to the district in her new role. Additionally, Dr. Gladys Amerson, Ed.D, RN-BC, was elected as a District 3 President. Dr. Amerson's background, including her Ed.D and RN-BC certifications, positions her to make a significant impact on our district's strategic goals and initiatives.

We also had the opportunity to come together for our Annual District 3 Holiday Gathering in December. We would like to extend our deepest thanks to everyone who attended, making the event a success. A special thank you is extended to D'Ann and Bill Somerall for their gracious hosting of the gathering, which provided an excellent opportunity for members to connect, celebrate, and reflect on the year's accomplishments.

Looking ahead, we are excited about several plans for the spring. One of our main goals is to organize and launch a District 3 newsletter. This newsletter will serve as an important communication tool for keeping members informed about district activities, upcoming events, and news relevant to the nursing profession. We encourage all members to contribute ideas, articles, and updates for future editions. Additionally, we are working on the formation of a District 3 Honor Guard. This initiative will allow us to honor the dedication and contributions of nurses in our district through participation in ceremonies and recognition events. We invite all members to express interest in joining or supporting the Honor Guard as we move forward with this initiative.

As we begin the year, we look forward to planning engaging spring events that will focus on professional development and fostering community within our district. We encourage all members to stay involved, participate in upcoming events, and consider contributing to the development of our newsletter and Honor Guard. Together, we can make 2025 a year of continued growth and meaningful connection for District 3.

The Alabama State Nurses Association (ASNA) District 2 has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to serving those in need, particularly in addressing food insecurity in the West Alabama area. Each year, the nurses of District 2 volunteer their time and expertise to help support the Tuscaloosa Community Soup Bowl, a vital organization providing nutritious meals to individuals and families who are struggling with hunger. Their service, especially on the last Saturday in December, has become a meaningful tradition for both the community and the dedicated healthcare professionals who participate.

However, for ASNA District 2 Members, this date has become a crucial day to serve those in need.

The decision to volunteer on this date is not taken lightly. During the winter months, many community organizations face difficulty securing volunteers, as individuals are preoccupied with end-of-year commitments. Despite these challenges, the nurses of District 2 have made it a priority to ensure that the Tuscaloosa Community Soup Bowl remains well-staffed and able to serve its mission. The nurses, some of whom have volunteered for decades, embody the spirit of compassion and care that defines the nursing profession. They arrive early, ready to assist in every aspect of meal preparation, serving, and cleanup.

What sets the ASNA District 2's involvement apart is not only their consistent participation but also the deep sense of community and connection they bring to the event. As healthcare providers, these nurses understand firsthand the profound impact that hunger can have on a person's health and well-being. They are not just serving meals---they are offering empathy, dignity, and respect to those who may be facing difficult circumstances. Whether it is a warm greeting, a listening ear, or simply a smile, the nurses make sure that those they serve feel valued and cared for.

For many of the individuals who rely on the soup bowl, the nurses' presence represents a connection to the larger community and an understanding that they are not alone. Through their long-standing commitment to the Tuscaloosa Community Soup Bowl, ASNA District 2 has demonstrated that nursing is a more than a profession, it is a calling which embodies caring, compassion, and service. Their work serves as a reminder that a caring community is a healthy community, and every meal served is an act of kindness that has a lasting impact. As the last Saturday in December rolls around each year, the nurses of District 2 continue to make a difference, highlighting that even during the busiest times of the year, there is always time to give back to those in need.