Ceremony Celebrating American Association of Nurse Anesthetists'90th Anniversary

Pioneer Nurse Anesthetist Agatha Hodgins Founded AANA at Lakeside Hospital in 1931

Since the onslaught of Covid-19, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) have played a critical role in treating Covid-19 patients. These highly trained professionals became one of the most valuable members of Covid-19 treatment teams due to their extensive experience in critical care and airway and ventilation management expertise.

On the 90th anniversary of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA), the Ohio State Association of Nurse Anesthetists (OSANA) and UH hosted a special ceremony honoring these essential and sought-after health care providers.

Lakeside Hospital, one of the original institutions of UH, is where pioneer nurse anesthetist Agatha Hodgins opened the nation's first formal postgraduate program in anesthesia. There, Hodgins organized an alumnae association that became the foundation for the AANA 90 years ago. Today, the AANA is the largest organization representing the nation's 57,000 CRNAs and students.AANA

State Senator Sandra Williams (District 21) spoke at the 90th Anniversary AANA ceremony acknowledging Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists' (CRNAs) profound contributions at University Hospital's Lakeside. Joining her was OSANA President Kellie Deeter, MSN, CRNA, NP-C, and UH CEO Cliff A. Megerian, MD, FACS, who offered his own words of praise.

Other notable civic leaders and government institutions recognized CRNAs unique and critical contributions as well:

The governor of Ohio, the Ohio Senate, The City of Cleveland, and the U.S. House of Representatives presented proclamations to AANA.

Mayor Frank Jackson delivered a congratulatory message to the AANA recognizing Agatha Hodgin's role in its inception.

If you want to watch the event online, it is available for streaming on the Ohio State Association of Nurse Anesthetists' (OSANA) official Facebook page.