Volunteer Spotlight! Katie Lajoie, member of the Commission on Government Affairs!

I have a longstanding interest in the link between environmental pollution and public health. I joined the Commission on Government Affairs (CGA) in 2019 in order to work with other

nurses who want to help legislators better understand these and other important issues. My

involvement with the CGA has honed my understanding of the legislative process and has

provided opportunities to communicate with legislators at the state and federal levels.

My work with CGA has been rewarding. I participate in an annual CGA Legislative Town

Hall Forum where New Hampshire nurses can learn about the pros and cons of bills proposed during the legislative session.

With CGA’s support, I wrote a successful op-ed during the COVID pandemic that stressed the importance of public health nursing. In 2022, I had the honor of attending the American Nurses Advocacy Institute (ANAI) in Washington, DC. ANAI is a member benefit that CGA members can participate in if selected.  It was an amazing experience.

In March 2024, American Nurse featured an article called "Elevating the Voice of Nurses Through Advocacy," an excellent look at how nurse advocacy makes a difference in the political arena. The CGA is doing important work that helps shape health policy in both New Hampshire and Washington. We are a great group of nurses who support each other, and I hope you will join us.

Katherine Lajoie, BSN, BA, RN