Washington, DC - Dian Palmer, RN, Chair of the Nurse Alliance of SEIU Healthcare, released the following statement applauding Carmen Morales-Board for being recognized as a Champion of Change by the Obama administration:

I am very proud that Carmen Morales-Board was recognized today by the Obama administration for her dedication to her patients. As trusted voices in the healthcare field, Carmen and her colleagues are doing an outstanding job educating their fellow nurses and patients about the benefits of the Affordable Care Act.

"Carmen and her team reached a cross section of nurses --operating room, emergency room, mental health, advanced practice and rural health - through a national nurse-to-nurse initiative called Empowering Patients. These nurses are now educating patients and families in every day moments as they receive care. Ensuring that Americans of all ages and walks of life understand the benefits and protections of the Affordable Care Act is critical to helping our patients make informed choices about their care.

"Empowering Patients is active in six states- including California, Texas, Iowa, Pennsylvania, and Florida - and nurses of our union are committed to empowering their patients with the information they need about how the healthcare law benefits them.

"For all of their work, Carmen and her team are true Champions of Change."

For more information on Champions of Change visit: www.whitehouse.gov/champions.

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