President’s Message

I am honored to be your incoming President and I want to acknowledge the leadership provided by Dr. Audrey Godoy for the past two years.  I am excited to welcome the new Executive Board, some new and some returning members who I am certain will successfully fulfill their predecessors’ shoes!  I look forward to serving the Philippine Nurses Association of Ohio as President, but I’m humbled too, especially considering the many outstanding, inspiring, and tireless leaders who keep this well-oiled machine running day in and day out since PNAO’s inception in 1992. When I first joined PNAO in 2022, I found it provided not only great networking and education opportunities, but also great new friends throughout the Chapter. Through all our volunteer events, the health fairs, networking events, committee meetings, galas, the dances we learned, the road trips to the regional events….PNAO has blessed me with a sense of purpose and a family. PNAA has adopted the “i2” mantra: Influence, Impact. In 2024, my priorities will be to (1) engage our members to become even more involved PNAO both on the Chapter, regional and national levels (2) help our members to grow professionally, whether that be by organizing educational events, supporting leadership goals or fostering personal wellness. I look forward to the inclusiveness and collaboration as we forge new paths in scholarship, innovation and health equity.  Maraming salamat!
Maricar Gomez DNP, APRN-CNP
PNAO President 2024-2026
PNAA Circle of Presidents Regional Representative, North Central Region 2024

Our Organization

Philippine Nurses Association of Ohio (PNAO) was created in 1992 by Alicia Anloague Tupaz for the basic goal of comradery and support for the Filipino nurses in Ohio. Alicia had connections in place with Philippine Nurses Association of America, Inc (PNAA) and wanted an Ohio chapter to help carry out the PNAA missions.

PNAO welcomes nurses and student nurses of all ethnicities. We believe that every member has relevant knowledge and experience to share and to give back to the community. We value each member as an individual regardless of their heritage and welcome the power of diversity.

PNAO is actively seeking to partner with hospitals, long-term care facilities, allied health agencies/organizations, universities, colleges, and schools.

As an individual member or as an organizational partner, you will be a critical part of the team helping to accomplish our goals:

· Promoting nursing activities in our area and across Ohio that advance healthcare initiatives for best patient outcomes.

· Networking with professional organizations and agencies to develop and provide educational programs relevant to nursing practice, education, and research.

· Monitoring and advocating for or against legislative activity that affects healthcare and nursing practice.

· Providing community service opportunities in targeted areas of need in Northeast Ohio and/or in the Philippines.

· Providing focused research endeavors that are meaningful to the population in Northeast Ohio and/or to the Filipino-Americans.

Upcoming events

  • Health Within Reach Health Fair

    Wed 10/2/24 3pm-6pm

    Taussig Community Outreach Health With-IN Reach Event

    Location: Cleveland Clinic Euclid Hospital 18901 Lakeshore Blvd, Euclid, OH 44119

  • Nurse John: The Short Staffed Tour

    Fri 10/11/24 7pm-9pm

    John Dela Cruz is an actual Filipino nurse by profession and an accidental comedian at heart, his portrayal of life working in healthcare has proven hilariously relatable to those both in and out of the healthcare industry. 

    Location: Playhouse Square at Mimi Ohio Theatre, 1511 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44115

    Purchase Tickets

  • CLE Asiatown's AAPI Health Fair

    Sat 10/12/24 12pm-3pm

    Helping to serve Cleveland's AAPI community, PNAO will be present to assist in performing health screens and teach hands only CPR/use of AED

    Location: Asia Plaza 2999 Payne Ave, Cleveland, OH 44114

  • Walk to End Alzheimer's - CLE

    Sat 10/19/24 9am-11am

    Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's is the world's largest fundraiser for Alzheimer's care, support and research. This inspiring event calls on participants of all ages and abilities to join the fight against the disease

    Location: Cleveland Metroparks Zoo 3900 WildLife Way, Cleveland, OH 44109

    Click for information or to register to walk!

  • PNAO Christmas Party

    Sat 12/7/24

    Join PNAO for our annual Christmas get together!

    Location: TBD

    Click Here

Take Action

Ready to take the next step?

Become a member or associate member today by joining Philippine Nurses Association of America then scroll to the bottom of the page to join “Additional membership by chapter” and click on PNA Ohio

Join a Committee

Already a member of PNAO and have specific goals or ideas you want to tackle? Join one of our committees or inquire about starting a new one!

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