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-CNPPNAO President 2024-2026PNAA Circle of Presidents Regional Representative, North Central Region 2024Our 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
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PNAO/PNAOF Retro Spring Fling Fundraiser
Sat 3/29/25 6p-10pm
Join us for an evening of dancing, food, games, raffles, health screens as we raise money to fund our medical mission to the Philippines. $40 adult, $20 for children 12 and under.
Location: Philippine Cultural Center 1975 W. Ridgewood Drive, Cleveland, OH 44134
For tickets: call/text Jennifer Rosales 216-669-1208
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BVU Homeless Standdown
Sat 4/26/25 10a-2p
Homeless Stand Down provides people experiencing homelessness, with necessary resources, respite from the elements, and reconnection to the community. Find PNAO table for health screen and teach hands on CPR/use AED
Location: Cleveland Public Auditorium 500 Lakeside Ave, Cleveland, OH 44114
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Cleveland Asian Festival
Sat-Sun 5/17/25-5/18/25 11am-6pm
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
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NCR Camp Aruga
Fri-Sun 6/13/25-6/15/25
PNAA North Central Region’s leadership bootcamp designed to cultivate unity among chapters, improve competencies among leaders, increase resilience and create our own roadmap to achieve health equity.
Location: Columbus, OH
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PNAAF/NIH Health Fair
Sat 6/21/25 (11a-2p)
NIH’s “All of Us” Division of Engagement and Outreach Health Fair. PNAO will be on hand for health screens, teach hands on CPR and use of AED!
Location: Kent Parks & Recreation 1115 Franklin Ave, Kent, OH 44240
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PNAO/APPO Medical Mission
Free major/minor surgical, medical & dental care to our homeland in two locations:
6/22/25-6/27/27 Santa Maria, Isabela, Philippines
6/28/25-6/29/25 Aurora, Baler, Quezon Philippines
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PNAA 46th National Convention
Wed-Sun 7/16/25-7/20/25
Join us for PNAA’s annual national convention, hosted by PNA Michigan
Location: Westin Book Cadillac Detroit 1114 Washington, Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226
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PNAO Anniversary Party
Sat 9/27/25 6p-9p
Help celebrate another year of PNAO’s continued success with an evening of food, folks and fun. See who will win this year’s PNAO Scholarship Award
Location: TBD
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PNAO Christmas Party
Sat 12/6/25 (6p-9p)
Celebrate the holidays with your PNAO family!
Location: Divinity Lutheran Church 11877 Blossom Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44130
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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