Who We Are
The Association of Community Health Nursing Educators (ACHNE) provides a meeting ground for those committed to excellence in community and public health nursing education, research, and practice. ACHNE was established in 1978 and is run by elected volunteer leaders who guide the organization in providing networking through the quarterly newsletter and membership directory and providing educational opportunities through publications and the Annual Institute.
A Message from ACHNE about Racial Equity
The Association of Community Health Nursing Educators (ACHNE) is committed to excellence in community and public health nursing education, research, and practice-advancing the health of populations. We understand that structural racism is rooted in long-standing discriminatory policies and must be examined and dismantled as an upstream structural determinant of health. We are committed to challenging nurse educators to develop the competencies essential for facilitating safe, respectful, and uncomfortable dialogue. We are responsible for championing awareness requisite for effective system-level transformation. As ambassadors in our communities, ultimately, our students will advance nursing practice in actionable change and collective impact for racial equity and justice.
What Our Members are Doing
Are you an ACHNE Member doing great things? Let us know at info@ACHNE.org and you could be featured on our home page!
05/20/2025
ACHNE Announces Position Statement on Upholding Public Health Principles
On May 20, 2025, the Association of Community Health Nursing Educators (ACHNE) released a new position statement, "Upholding Public Health Principles," condemning recent policy actions that undermine public health infrastructure and essential services. ACHNE expresses deep concern over the erosion of public trust, destabilization of the public health workforce, setbacks for vulnerable populations, disruption of research, and a chilling effect on public health advocacy. The organization calls for immediate, collective action from various stakeholders to protect and reinvest in the public health workforce, uphold scientific and ethical decision-making, resist politicization, and strengthen protections for whistleblowers, among other crucial measures.
04/30/2025
Become an ACHNE Influencer and Earn AI Registration Discount!
ACHNE is seeking a social media influencer to promote the organization and the Annual Institute (AI) with weekly posts leading up to, and twice-daily posts during, the event. In exchange, the influencer will receive a discount on their AI registration.
04/30/2025
Congratulations to the Latest ACHNE Research Award and EBP Grant Recipients!
The Research Committee is excited to announce the newest individuals and projects to receive Research Awards and Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) grants, acknowledging the dedication of both the recipients and the diligent reviewers.
04/30/2025
ACHNE's 2025 Legislative Priorities: Shaping the Future of Community Health Nursing
The Policy Committee has developed its 2025 legislative priorities, informed by member input and grounded in ACHNE's vision, mission, strategic plan, and key frameworks from organizations like WHO and ANA. These priorities, approved by the Executive Committee, are now visually represented in an infographic for broader dissemination.
04/30/2025
ACHNE Member Spotlight: Joanne Langan, PhD, RN, CNE
Dr. Joanne Langan, Professor Emerita at Saint Louis University, shares her journey into community health nursing, her passion for disaster preparedness education, and her impactful research on disaster survivors and teaching competencies. From developing free online modules based on ICN disaster nursing competencies to informing city planners on the needs of vulnerable populations during evacuations, Dr. Langan's work highlights the crucial role of community health nurses in disaster response and recovery. Learn more about her contributions to ACHNE and her valuable insights for all members.
03/18/2025
Shine a Spotlight! 2025 ACHNE Recognition Awards Nominations Open
Submit your nomination by April 1, 2025! Nominate today using the online form or download a flyer and scan the QR code.
02/27/2025
ACHNE Member Spotlight: Dr. Athena D.F. Sherman, PhD, PHN, RN, CNE (xe/they)
We're thrilled to spotlight Athena D.F. Sherman, a dedicated ACHNE member whose groundbreaking work in queer health education and violence survivorship is making a profound impact. From developing crucial curricular tools to empowering marginalized communities, Athena's passion for human connection and systemic change shines brightly. Read on to learn about xir journey, xir inspiring research, and xir powerful message of authenticity.
02/18/2025
Deadline Extended! Funding Opportunity: ACHNE Announces Call for 2025 Research and EBP Grant Proposals
ACHNE offers $10,000 in grant funding for 2025. Apply for a Research or EBP Grant to support your C/PHN work. Proposals deadline extended to February 21, 2025, at 5pm ET.
01/22/2025
Listen to ACHNE VP and Program Chair Scott Harpin Radio Interview
We are thrilled to share that ACHNE Vice-President and Program Chair Scott Harpin was recently featured on a radio interview to discuss a timely and important topic. Tune in to learn more about Scott's insights on hallucinogenic psilocybin mushroom treatment in CO. If you would like more information on this emerging area of healthcare or support in how we can teach this content in our courses, please feel free to contact Scott.
12/06/2024
ACHNE Member Spotlight: Ferry Efendi, PhD
Dr. Ferry Efendi, a prominent community health nursing expert, is dedicated to addressing global health challenges, particularly focusing on ethical nursing migration. His innovative work, including the Pasar Kerja Perawat app, revolutionizes nurse recruitment and promotes fair labor practices. Through research, policy advocacy, and mentorship, Dr. Efendi strives to improve health equity and protect the rights of vulnerable populations.
09/12/2024
ACHNE Releases New White Paper on Faculty Qualifications for Community/Public Health Nursing
The Association of Community Health Nursing Educators (ACHNE) has released a new White Paper, Faculty Qualifications for Community/Public Health Nursing. This comprehensive document provides essential guidelines for colleges and universities to consider when hiring or assigning faculty to teach undergraduate and graduate community/public health nursing (C/PHN) courses.
08/30/2024
ACHNE Member Spotlight: Mary Ellen LaSala
Mary Ellen LaSala is a clinical associate professor at Stony Brook University and a Director of Special Projects. With a PhD from Adelphi University, she has been a dedicated member of ACHNE since joining Stony Brook in 2014. As a passionate advocate for health equity, Mary Ellen actively contributes to ACHNE's mission through her leadership roles and expertise in teaching, practice, and research.
08/06/2024
Op-Ed by ACHNE Members Sarah Ailey & Virginia Reising published in Visible Magazine
Why are we still teaching “levels of prevention” in healthcare professions education?
“Summertime and the livin’ is easy”; but summertime is not easy for us as we are faculty in courses in which “levels” of prevention,” a common but ableist framework for designing prevention in public health is taught, and we are concerned about the harmful impact on students.
