Power Up Nursing Vice President Advocates for Vitamin D Screening and Programs at Capitol Hill
- Power Up Staff
- Sep 17
- 4 min read
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 15, 2025
Washington, D.C. — Nearly one-third of all Americans are deficient in Vitamin D, a preventable health crisis that weakens immunity, increases the risk of chronic illness, and threatens maternal and infant health. On September 10th, Dr. Kimberly Delbo, DNP, RN, Vice President of Education at Power Up Nursing, joined national health leaders for the My Health Alliance Lobby Day on Capitol Hill to call for urgent federal action.
Partnering with the Organic & Natural Health Association, GrassrootsHealth, Moms Across America, and other advocates, Dr. Delbo met with members of Congress to urge funding for state–federal partnerships implementing maternal Vitamin D programs, as well as pilot programs for active-duty military families.
Following the day’s congressional meetings, Dr. Delbo also supported attendees at the My Health Alliance Congressional Reception in the Rayburn Foyer, where participants were invited to test their Vitamin D levels.
“For me, this was not just an advocacy day, it was a transformational grassroots movement, as together, we engaged in health policy advocacy to dismantle systemic barriers to health equity and promote cost effective, proactive, preventative healthcare. It was such a wonderful experience on Capitol Hill advocating for nationwide Vitamin D screening,” said Dr. Delbo. “We spend more money on healthcare in America than other countries and our outcomes are worse. Nearly 90% of nurses – the majority of which are women – have insufficient or deficient Vitamin D levels. Nurses are often less healthy than the very populations they serve, a reality that impacts not only their own well-being, but the health of our communities. This simple, preventive measure can strengthen immunity, ensure bone health, and build national resilience. When nurses are healthy, they are empowered to positively influence the health of their families, patients, organizations, and entire communities.”
Dr. Delbo also emphasized that Vitamin D deficiency is not only a maternal health issue but a national crisis—linked to weakened bone and muscle health, depression, cognitive decline, cardiovascular disease, and higher susceptibility to infections.
She expressed her gratitude to the event organizers: “I am thankful for the opportunity to be included in the My Health Alliance Vitamin D Lobby Day on the Hill. I’m especially grateful to Dr. Beth Sanford, President of the North Dakota Nurses Association and Director of Education and Clinical Practice at Grassroots Health; Jen Aliano, Executive Director of GrassrootsHealth; Karen Howard, CEO of the Organic & Natural Health Association and the many others present for this advocacy event.”
The Case for Congressional Action
Mental health and maternal health in America is at crisis levels, with Vitamin D deficiency identified as a preventable, under-addressed contributor to complications in holistic health and development. Advocates are calling for immediate federal action to:
Establish routine Vitamin D screening for all Americans and institute a Federal Program for Active-Duty Military Maternity Care.
Direct the Department of Defense to create a maternal Vitamin D program for service members and their families, ensuring access to screening, supplementation, and education.
Fund a Federal–State Partnership which provides appropriate funding for states to collaborate with federal agencies on Vitamin D programs, balancing flexibility with accountability and national standards.
Update Standards for Vitamin D Intake and Levels and Direct the National Academies and federal agencies to review and update outdated 2011 guidelines, aligning them with current science.
Why This Matters
Widespread Deficiency: Nearly one-third of all Americans are Vitamin D deficient; 90% of nurses have either insufficient or deficit Vitamin D levels, 89% of pregnant women have suboptimal levels, and 31% are clinically deficient.
Outdated Standards: Most medical associations still rely on 2011 Institute of Medicine guidelines focused only on bone health.
New Evidence: Current research shows that 400–600 IU/day is inadequate, with optimal outcomes achieved at safe levels of 4,000–5,000 IU/day.
Proven Impact: Adequate Vitamin D reduces the risk of preterm birth, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, impaired fetal growth, and long-term health challenges in children.
Lower Costs, Stronger Futures: Preventing complications with an affordable, evidence-based nutrient strategy can save lives, reduce healthcare costs, and strengthen families nationwide.
About Power Up Nursing
Power Up Nursing is a national movement dedicated to advancing the science and spirit of nursing while protecting and promoting the health and well-being of nurses and the communities they serve. Power Up Nursing is committed to advancing health, nursing education, leadership, and innovation while equipping nurses to transform healthcare through advocacy, evidence-based practice, and community impact.
Comments