THE ORGANIZATION’S HISTORICAL OVERVIEW

How did FANA of Great Lakes Get Started?

In February 2005, a group of professional nurses namely, Angela Bedia, Carmen Perez and Brenda Sanagustin made an enduring brain storming of the nursing shortage facing the health industry specifically in Michigan. The presence of numerous Filipino and other ethnic professional nurses made a stride to eliminate the CGFNS (Commissions of Graduate Foreign Nursing School), as one of the requirements in the Michigan State Board of Nursing. More informal meetings came about to brain storm the idea. As soon as these ideas were finalized, other humanitarian efforts were formed as a result. The name of FANA was formulated.

The By-Laws were created joined by interested professional members. One of the reason FANA was created was to direct its work toward providing free medical mission. In light of the Federal regulations affecting the nature of the mission, the organization requested to be federally qualified as non- profit entity. After the organization was incorporated, the 501-C3 was prepared and finally approved by the IRS further classified as public charity. One of the most exciting moments this organization had achieved was the formal approval signed into law by the Governor of Michigan, Jennifer Granholm to completely eliminate CGFNS for foreign nurses in the State of Michigan. This was an outstanding achievement FANA of Great Lakes can be proud of especially for the Filipino nursing graduates. Formal meetings were held with elections of officers of the executive board. The founding FANA president was Angela Bedia, R.N. The newly elected officers are currently posted for the year 2009 – 2011.