RNAO has been building environmental and social determinants of health into the fabric of its policy and advocacy work for more than two decades (you can read more about this in the latest installment of Conversations with Members, by Dr. Doris Grinspun). In the late 1990s, the association began to think bigger and broader about the conditions of life that lead to health, including clean air, housing, a secure income to pay for rent, food and medications, a universal and accessible health system free of cost, and respect for diversity, inclusion and dignity. These are issues that have not gone away during COVID-19. In fact, the pandemic has highlighted just how important they are, and nurses are moving forward on these issues in the shadow of the pandemic.

The undeniable link between individual health and social and environmental factors is complex. But RNAO's strong members are not letting this complexity compromise the quality of care they know they can provide, and every Ontarian deserves. This special issue of RNJ explores the amazing work of RNs, NPs and nursing students who continue to do whatever it takes to draw attention to the determinants of health that have the greatest impact on individual health. 

In this special issue, we celebrate these ongoing efforts to build a healthier tomorrow at the individual, system and global level.  Here's a glimpse of what you can expect: