Published in The Buffalo News, January 7, 2025
by Mark Blazey, CRNA and NYSANA President

Every year across the United States, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) safely administer more than 58 million anesthetics to patients. I am proud to count myself among the nearly 78,000 CRNAs celebrating our profession during National CRNA Week from Jan. 19-25.

Since 2000, National CRNA Week has brought attention to the important role CRNAs play in improving access to safe anesthesia care. From collaborating for transformative wins in health care policy that advance patient care to providing patients with anesthesia care where and when they need it most, the unique expertise of CRNAs helps ensure communities are safe and healthy.

This year's theme "CRNAs: Exceptional Care. Innovative Leaders," acknowledges our education and training that put patients first. These advanced-practice registered nurses have a well-deserved reputation for providing safe, effective, efficient, and compassionate care. For more than 150 years, CRNAs have enjoyed rewarding careers providing anesthesia care to patients nationwide.

CRNAs safely deliver anesthesia in traditional hospital surgical suites and obstetrical delivery rooms, critical access hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, Veterans Affairs hospitals, pain management facilities, and to our nation's military. I practice in rural and urban areas in the state, independent of physician anesthesiologists or as part of an anesthesia care team. I provide anesthesia for pediatrics, obstetrics, geriatrics, orthopedics, urology, general surgery, and more. The safe access and cost-effective care that CRNAs provide to patients across New York is deserving of formal recognition and why it is crucial that the New York State representatives pass legislation recognizing the CRNA profession with a scope of practice.

New York is home to some of the first nurses to administer anesthesia dating back to the Civil War, yet remains behind the times as the last state to formally recognize CRNAs. The time is now.

As members of one of America's most trusted professions, CRNAs have served on the front lines of patient care from the beginning, and we continue to answer the call to help keep patients healthy and safe. Please join me in recognizing these providers of exceptional care Visit nysana.com to learn moreabout CRNAs in New York State.

Mark Blazey, DNP, CRNA, is president of the New York State Association of Nurse Anesthetists.