Through a professional development opportunity offered by the Kaiser Permanente Nurse Scholars Academy (NSA), nurse leaders from across the region were invited to attend Nurses’ Political Advocacy Day at the California State Capitol. On May 13, 2025, Sherri Twardzik, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, EBP-C, CCRN, Magnet Program Director, represented Kaiser Permanente Redwood City (KP RWC).

The event, held in collaboration with the American Nurses Association California (ANAC), aimed to strengthen nurses’ voices in health policy. Participants learned about Kaiser Permanente’s Government Relations work, reviewed priority health bills, and received coaching on how to communicate effectively with legislators. The day concluded with Capitol visits where nurses discussed key health issues with legislators.

During these sessions, Twardzik applied her new advocacy skills to support Assembly Bill 1264 (AB1264), introduced by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel. The bill seeks to phase out ultra-processed foods of concern from California school cafeterias, promoting healthier nutrition for students. Twardzik met with several legislators, including Assemblymember Joe Patterson and Senator Roger Niello, to share the nursing perspective on how nutrition directly impacts lifelong health. She also followed up with a personal email to United States Senator Adam Schiff.

“Kaiser Permanente nurses are privileged to have access to programs through the NSA, which not only develops clinical and leadership excellence but also empowers nurses to shape the policies that impact the communities they serve,” said Twardzik. “Opportunities like these inspire nurses to see advocacy as an extension of caring, one that reaches beyond the bedside to improve population health.”