Celebrating CRNA Week — January 18–24, 2026

Dear PANA Members,

As we approach National CRNA Week in Pennsylvania, January 18–24, 2026, I want to take a moment to recognize and celebrate all of the 4,000-plus certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) and student registered nurse anesthetists (SRNAs) that the Pennsylvania Association of Nurse Anesthetists (PANA) represents in our commonwealth.

This year’s theme — “CRNAs: The Heart of Anesthesia” — reminds us of the essential role we play in guiding patients through some of their most vulnerable moments with skill, compassion, and reassurance. It is also a time for us to share messages about our profession so health-care partners, policy-makers, and other key stakeholders understand what we do in our clinical role.

As we have in other years, we have a robust campaign planned for this week and beyond, with boosted video and social media to push out our stories, columns in local outlets, and paid ads to ensure we reach as many people as we can. You can follow it all on our dedicated website HERE.

Our rigorous education and training ensure access to high-quality, patient-centered care in hospitals, surgical centers, rural clinics, and critical care facilities across the state that might otherwise be unavailable.

For everything you do, I encourage each of you to join us in celebrating the remarkable contributions of our profession — whether by sharing your stories, engaging with local leaders, or highlighting the impact of CRNAs in your workplace and community.

Thank you for all you do to keep patients safe, comfortable, and cared for every day. Let’s take pride in our anesthesia profession during CRNA Week and beyond!

Jodie B. Szlachta, PhD, CRNA

President, Pennsylvania Association of Nurse Anesthetists