Sara Bynon Neely, DNP, RN is an outstanding nursing leader at Rush University with a dedication to bringing healthcare to those who have challenges accessing it. She has been nominated by Melissa Kalensky for the prestigious INF 40 Under 40 award for her efforts and leadership in serving her community.
Sara has been awarded the 2024 Illinois Nurses foundation 40 Under 40 Emerging Nurse Leaders Award. Designed to highlight young nurses that are making a lasting difference in the healthcare industry, this award celebrates those who shape the future of nursing.
A Commitment to Vulnerable Populations
Sara’s dedication to healthcare began as a registered nurse working with the Shelter-Based Services Team, in partnership with Heartland Alliance Health, during the pandemic. In this role, she provided critical care to those experiencing homelessness and incarceration. Her current position as a research interventionist at Rush University focuses on adapting Narrative Exposure Therapy to help women dealing with trauma, particularly those impacted by homelessness and incarceration.
Sara’s innovative work includes the development of a peer support program for women with lived experience of homelessness. She not only created a comprehensive training curriculum but also led the onboarding and management of the peer support specialist team. Her dedication to trauma care extends to her direct delivery of Narrative Exposure Therapy to women in shelters and correctional facilities, helping them heal from trauma-spectrum disorders.
Public Health Advocate and Educator
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Sara recognized the need for reliable education on infection control. Despite limited resources, she took the initiative to create a YouTube channel, offering educational presentations on emerging public health topics, chronic conditions, and mental health. Her channel quickly became a vital resource for shelter staff, Community Health Workers, and community members on Chicago’s West Side.
Her work has been recognized on a national level, with a podium presentation at the 2023 ACHNE/APHN Joint National Conference and a manuscript published in Public Health Nursing.
Advocacy and Leadership in Homelessness Health Equity
Sara’s leadership extends beyond her clinical roles. She is an active member of the Chicago Homelessness & Health Response Group for Equity (CHHRGE), where she serves on the Advocacy Committee. She has been instrumental in grassroots efforts to support the “Bring Chicago Home” referendum, aiming to address homelessness through local policy initiatives.
Additionally, Sara contributes to national advocacy efforts as a member of the Advancement Committee for the National Health Care for the Homeless Council, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to improving healthcare access for marginalized populations.
Professional Recognition and Affiliations
Sara’s professional excellence is recognized through her membership in various prestigious organizations, including Sigma Theta Tau National Honor Society, the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, the American Public Health Association, and the Association of Public Health Nurses.
Sara Bynon Neely: A Trailblazer Shaping the Future of Nursing and Public Health
Sara Bynon Neely’s tireless efforts to improve the lives of marginalized individuals, her innovative approaches to trauma care, and her leadership in public health advocacy make her an exemplary nominee for the Illinois ANA’s 2024 cohort of 40 Under 40. Her work not only impacts her community but also sets a standard for the future of nursing and public health.
Congratulations to Sara Bynon Neely and Rush University for this prestigious honor! The Illinois Nurses Foundation 40 Under 40 Award for Emerging Nurse Leaders is proven to open career doors for its recipients. INF is proud to celebrate nurses like Sara who have made a lasting impact in the healthcare industry.
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