State Liaison Candidate
Campaign Message
Professional, holistic nursing is an integral part of life for dedicated members of the profession. Therefore, as a dedicated member of this prestigious profession, my mission is to persistently advance in nursing and utilize it as the vehicle by which I can fulfill the healthcare necessities and educational opportunities for as many individuals as possible. In providing and/or preparing others to provide quality, equitable healthcare services to individuals and populations, I will attain personal and professional goals in addition to life fulfillment. I am a well-rounded nurse practitioner who morphs into diverse roles to achieve equity. My accomplishments and contributions to nurse practitioner education and practice have unequivocally impacted health outcomes and continue this trajectory. I am ready for the next best step, becoming the Mississippi Liaison for the AANP. It is time to get back to the basics of placing the human being at the center of healthcare.
Bio Sketch
Geraldine Q. Young, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, CDCES, FAANP is the founder and President of the J R Health Equity Institute and the founder and CEO of the Diverse Coat Society. The collaborative work of these organizations provides an international model for achieving equity (2025 International Council of Nurses Congress). Dr. Young s service in the profession spans 25 years (20 years as an FNP). She holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, an MSN from Alcorn State University, and a BSN from the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Dr. Young is newly appointed to the Journal of Nursing Education Editorial Board and National Council of State Boards of Nursing Exam Development Volunteer. She is a AANP member (2015), 2019 AANP Fellow, member of the American Association of Colleges of Nurses Essentials Taskforce, National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties Leadership Fellow and former Board Member, and American Nurses Credentialing Center Content Expert. Scholarship endeavors focus on diabetes, quality improvement, interprofessionalism, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Dr. Young is Diverse Magazine s Leading Woman in Higher Education, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing, Visionary Leader, and Notable Female Alumni of Alcorn State University.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing NPs in the delivery of health care over the next decade? How should AANP address this issue to support NPs and the populations they serve?
Health and Human Services: Health Policy and Public Health Emergencies AANP will: Become a proactive leader in conveying, we are all human beings, and healthcare and safety are basic human rights. What is it to be a human being? What are the basic healthcare needs of human beings? What is the role of the NP in meeting these needs? Decipher the risks, benefits, and barriers of artificial intelligence to the NP role, responsibilities, and competencies. Prepare NPs for the social impact of health policy and public health emergencies. Continue the fight for equitable distribution of NP practices and services.
Describe, in detail, leadership and other professional skills that you will bring to AANP and provide at least one initiative or outcome that occurred because of these skills.
As one of the first Doctor of Nursing Practice-prepared nurse practitioners in Mississippi, founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Diverse Coat Society, and founder and President of the J R Young Health Equity Institute, Fellow of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, and Leadership Fellow of the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties, I have transformed and advanced nurse practitioner practice and education internationally. I presented at the 2025 International Council of Nurses Congress, providing 6500+ nurses and nurse practitioners from over 130 countries with access to an effective evidence-based model for interprofessional collaboration to achieve equity.
Identify one major challenge that could impact your ability to fulfill the responsibilities of the position you are seeking. How do you plan to manage this challenge to be successful?
One major challenge that could impact my ability to fulfill responsibilities as the Mississippi Liaison for the American Association of Nurse Practitioners is dedicating my time and effort to serving my clients (e.g., patients, students, and colleagues). Serving individuals from rural, underserved, and diverse backgrounds is a top priority in my life and career as a nurse practitioner. This work resonates my heart; however, I have a dedicated team that believes in the mission, vision, purpose, values, and goals of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners which will enable me to accomplish my responsibilities as the liaison.
AANP’s mission is to empower all NPs to advance accessible, person-centered, equitable, high-quality health care for diverse communities through practice, education, advocacy, research, and leadership. If elected, how do you propose to advance AANP's mission and strategic plan?
I propose to advance the AANP mission and strategic plan by: creating and advocating for health policies and practices that support the public health infrastructure and services, including full practice authority for all NPs. continuing firm and visible leadership in the preparation of individuals to provide quality, equitable healthcare to maintain and improve health outcomes. providing outlets for NPs on how to deal with financial burdens (e.g., How to Balance Delivering Quality, Equitable Healthcare Services and Reimbursement?). preparing NPs for the social impact of health policy and public health emergencies.