Huntsville, Ala.(August 29, 2011)— The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAHuntsville) College of Nursing has received a $44,427 grant award from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to supportregistered nurses enrolled in advanced education nursing programs. Dr. C. Fay Raines, Dean UAHuntsville College of Nursing U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced more than $71 million in grants to expand nursing education, training and diversity in American universities. “These funds are a major asset in the education of advanced practice nurses in our master’s and doctoral programs. A well educated, highly skilled advanced practice nursing workforce is critical to meet the current and future healthcare needs in the state and nation,” said Dr. C. Fay Raines, dean of the UAHuntsville College of Nursing. Nursing workforce development programs, reauthorized by the health care reform law and administered by HHS’ Resources and Services Administration, are the primary source of federal funding for nursing education and workforce development. These programs bolster nursing education at all levels, from entry-level preparation through the development of advanced practice nurses. They also prepare faculty to teach the nation’s future nursing workforce. “These awards reflect the critical role of nurses in our healthcare system, and our ongoing commitment to attract and retain highly-skilled nurses in the profession,” said HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. The Advanced Nursing Education Program (ANEP) grant awarded to the UAHuntsville College of Nursing funds traineeships for registered nurses enrolled in advanced education nursing programs.Advanced nursing education programs offered at UAHuntsville prepare acute care nurse practitioners, family nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists and nurse administrators. For more information Joyce Anderson-Maples256.824.2101 maplesj@uah.edu