National recognition honors nurse-led mental health initiative focused on health equity and community resilience
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado – The Philippine Nurses Association of Southern California (PNASC) announced that its mental health awareness and advocacy initiative, Tala ng Kalinga (Star of Care), has received the 2026 Philippine Nurses Association of America (PNAA) Nurse Excellence Award – DAISY Team for Advancing Health Equity.
The award was presented during the PNAA National Convention Awards Gala Night at the Cheyenne Mountain Resort in Colorado Springs on July 18.
Tala ng Kalinga was selected from nominees representing PNAA chapters across the United States. The recognition honors nurse-led collaboration aimed at addressing health disparities and improving access to care and community resources.
The initiative was established to help reduce mental health stigma, expand access to culturally responsive education and resources, and strengthen the ability of individuals and communities to recognize and respond to mental health concerns.
Through Mental Health First Aid training, public education, advocacy, volunteer engagement and partnerships with healthcare and community organizations, Tala ng Kalinga has provided education and outreach to healthcare professionals, students, volunteers and community members.
The program brings together PNASC nurses, Mental Health First Aid instructors, peer specialists, volunteers and community partners, with an emphasis on reaching underserved and culturally diverse populations. Its activities focus on early intervention, mental health awareness, community resilience and the role nurses can play in addressing health disparities beyond traditional clinical settings.
“This national recognition belongs to every member of the Tala ng Kalinga team and to the many volunteers, instructors, peer specialists, and community partners who have embraced our shared mission,” said Dr. Danilo C. Bernal, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, program lead for Tala ng Kalinga. “It affirms our belief that there is no health without mental health and that nurses can lead meaningful, lasting change in the communities they serve.”
The DAISY Team for Advancing Health Equity recognition honors nurse-led teams whose collaborative efforts address health disparities and seek to improve access, quality and outcomes for underserved or vulnerable populations.
The nonprofit DAISY Foundation was established by the family of J. Patrick Barnes, who died in 1999 from complications of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. His family created the foundation after experiencing the nursing care provided to Barnes during his illness. The organization now operates recognition programs honoring nurses and nurse-led teams in healthcare and educational settings.
About the Philippine Nurses Association of Southern California
The Philippine Nurses Association of Southern California is a professional nursing organization focused on nursing practice, leadership, education, research, advocacy and community service. Its programs include initiatives addressing mental health awareness, health equity and culturally responsive community care.
About Tala ng Kalinga
Tala ng Kalinga, meaning “Star of Care,” is PNASC’s mental health awareness and advocacy initiative. The program brings together nurses, instructors, peer specialists, volunteers and community partners to provide Mental Health First Aid education, outreach and resources intended to reduce stigma, strengthen resilience and help connect individuals and families with appropriate support.
About The DAISY Foundation
The DAISY Foundation is an international nonprofit organization established to recognize nurses for compassionate care and professional contributions. Its programs honor individual nurses and nurse-led teams across healthcare and educational settings. More information is available at DAISYfoundation.org.
