Parkland Health Wins ANCC Pathway Award® for Innovative CROWN Project
Pilot program aims to address often overlooked disparities for patients during extended
hospital stays
The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) has announced that Parkland Health is the recipient of the prestigious 2024 ANCC Pathway Award® to implement its innovative, patient-centered program, the CROWN Project. This award, sponsored by Press Ganey, was presented during the 2024 ANCC National Magnet Conference® and the ANCC Pathway to Excellence Conference® in New Orleans.
The CROWN Project is a groundbreaking initiative that aims to address hair care disparities among hospitalized adult patients with textured hair. The project aims to improve patient well-being by offering culturally appropriate hair care products and training for nursing staff to ensure that the specific grooming needs of over 12,000 patients treated annually with textured hair are met with dignity and respect.
“On behalf of our dedicated team at Parkland, I am proud to accept the 2024 ANCC Pathway Award for the CROWN Project,” said Donna Richardson, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, Executive Vice President and Chief Nursing Executive at Parkland. “This project is not just about hair care; it embodies our commitment to health equity and recognizes the integral role nurses play in promoting the dignity and self-esteem of our patients.”
The CROWN Project will launch as a pilot program that includes the distribution of specialized hair care kits and evidence-based training for nurses on textured hair care. By addressing this often-overlooked aspect of patient care, Parkland aims to promote a holistic approach to wellness.
“Congratulations to Parkland Health on receiving the 2024 ANCC Pathway Award!” said Jeff Doucette, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, FACHE, FAAN, Chief Nursing Officer at Press Ganey. “This is a well-earned recognition of Parkland's empathetic approach to patient care. Press Ganey is proud to sponsor this award and celebrate initiatives like the CROWN Project, which provides real comfort in the form of hair care for historically underserved patients. Identifying a blind spot in the care continuum and addressing it with compassion is an excellent example of the power of nurse-led innovation. We look forward to seeing this project replicated in hospitals across the country. Great job, Parkland Health!”
By addressing a significant barrier faced by patients with textured hair during extended hospital stays, including hair breakage and loss of dignity, Parkland nursing staff are doubling down on their commitment to the greater mission of Parkland Health to advance wellness, relieve suffering, develop and educate. The CROWN Project is designed to be replicated, potentially benefiting healthcare systems across the nation.
“Parkland Health understands the imperative need for equitable care, addressing the needs of underserved populations with understanding, care, and compassion,” said Rebecca Graystone, PhD, MBA, RN, NE-BC, ANCC Senior Vice President of Accreditation and Organization Credentialing. “The CROWN Project understands the honorable duty that is to service patients' needs and to embrace the whole person. We are excited to see what inspiring impacts this project has in their Dallas community and beyond.”
For more information on the services provided at Parkland, please visit our website at www.parklandhealth.org.
Back