Western Summit for Nurse Anesthesiology Unites Thirteen State Associations and Honors Assemblymember Heath Flora for His Leadership
(Sacramento, CA)—The California Association of Nurse Anesthesiology(CANA) is proud to announce the success of the inaugural Western Summit for Nurse Anesthesiology, hosted by CANA in collaboration with Western AANA State Associations. Held in Las Vegas, Nevada from October 3-5, 2025, the Summit convened nearly 1,000 attendees, including Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), Nurse Anesthesia Residents (NARs), and Registered Nurses (RNs) from 13 participating state associations: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.
“The Western Summit showcased the strength and unity of nurse anesthesiologists across the western region,” said Emily Francke, MSN, CRNA, outgoing Board President, CANA. “This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to advancing anesthesia care, supporting professional growth, and ensuring patients throughout our states have access to safe, high-quality anesthesia services.”
Through a robust lineup of educational sessions, hands-on workshops, and breakout discussions, attendees explored emerging issues in anesthesia practice, leadership, and patient care, including innovations in anesthesia delivery, non-opioid pain management, workforce development, and technology-driven practice models. Breakout sessions for RNs interested in pursuing nurse anesthesiology careers underscored the profession’s commitment to fostering the next generation of anesthesia providers.
In addition to the educational program, CANA held its annual members meeting to swear in its newly elected Board of Directors and present several awards in recognition of outstanding leadership and contributions to the nurse anesthesiology profession, including:
- Champion for Nurse Anesthesiology Award, presented to Assemblymember Heath Flora (R-Ripon) for his tireless work related to AB 876
- Lifetime Achievement Award,presented to Karyn Karp, MS, CRNA
- Joyce Kelly Education Award, presented to Sassoon Elisha, EdD, APRN, CRNA, FAANA, FAAN
- Medal of Commendation for CRNA Insight, presented to Jacob Schonau-Taylor, MSN, CRNA for his Educational Program for RNs
- Medal of Commendations for their work on AB 876, presented to:
- Emily Francke, MSN, CRNA; Sandra Bordi, DNP, CRNA, FAANA; Elizabeth Bamgbose, PhD, CRNA, FAANA; Kristen Roman, DNAP, CRNA; Thomas Bachtler, DNP, CRNA, CENP; Melanie Rowe, MSN, CRNA
- Katherine Bowles, Fennemore; Kaitlin Perry, Perry Communications Group; Justin Fanslau, Fanslau Government Affairs; Monica Miller, Sacramento Advisors
“We were proud to recognize Assemblymember Flora for his steadfast support of CRNAs and his leadership in expanding access to timely, high-quality anesthesia care for all Californians,” said Kristen Roman, DNAP, CRNA, 2026 Board President, CANA. “He has been instrumental in advancing legislative solutions that reflect the expertise and essential role of CRNAs across our state.”
Adding to a year of significant accomplishments, CANA was also recognized earlier in the year by the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA). The 2024-2025 AANA Communications Committee selected CANA as a recipient of the 2025 AANA Public Relations Recognition Award for Best Promotional Effort for National CRNA Week.
Building on CANA’s commitment to closing care gaps and meeting patients where they are, CANA is holding a rural health symposium in early 2026. The event will spotlight CRNAs’ critical role in rural landscapes and strategies to mitigate California’s health care workforce shortage to ensure all Californians have access to high-quality, safe, and timely surgical care.
About CANA
The California Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (CANA) represents CRNAs across the state. Since 1931, CANA has provided leadership, advocacy, and education to advance patient safety and support the nurse anesthesia profession. Learn more at www.canainc.org.
