In Memoriam: DCNA leader Evelyn Sommers

Evelyn Sommers, former Executive Director of the DC Nurses Association (DCNA), passed away August 25 after a short stay in hospice care. Serving for 22 years -- 1980-2002 -- Sommers (at right in photo) was the longest tenured Executive Director in DCNA history. "She taught and mentored countless numbers of nurses," says DCNA Executive Director Ed Smith. Under Ms. Sommers’ leadership, Smith adds, "DCNA thrived as an organizing entity:, increasing membership in the union, becoming a powerful force in legislative matters affecting health care and collective bargaining and emerging as an educational resource." Ms. Sommers will be remembered this Thursday, August 31st, 1:30 pm, in a memorial service at Glenview Mansion, Rockville Civic Center Park, 603 Edmonston Drive, Rockville, MD  20851.
Photo: 1999 DCNA strike at Howard University Hospital; photo by Carl Wallace

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