"In Setting Global Policy, Nursing's Voice Is Needed" (Editorial, August 2016), in which Judith Shamian talks about the Millennium Development Goals established by the United Nations (UN), made a strong impression. The UN's efforts to eradicate disparities and to improve the health of the global community is admirable, and the fact that the International Council of Nurses (ICN), which represents more than 16 million nurses worldwide, sent a large delegation to the 69th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, is also impressive. However, even with these efforts, Shamian states that "worldwide, nursing lacks adequate representation at all levels of policymaking." The ICN's efforts on the global scale are certainly commendable, but I also feel that prior to getting involved in resolving world crises, we need to establish effective policies here at home. If we can't resolve issues in our own backyard, how can we help anyone else?

In addition, how many nurses are truly familiar with the efforts described by Shamian? In order to gain more support, it is imperative to introduce all nurses to the existing organizations and agencies that have been working to eradicate nationwide and worldwide health disparities. The only way to get nurses more involved is by making them aware of these efforts. This should start in nursing schools, which can be potentially useful vehicles for the delivery of this critical information. The more nurses know, the better the chances that more people will be willing to get involved and lend a helping hand. After all, isn't it all about working together?

Svetlana Tour, RN

Brooklyn, NY