MANA - Mississippi Association of Nurse Anesthetists -

08/28/2026

This week, our community mourns the loss of one of the most influential Mississippi CRNAs in modern times, Miss Jackie Fortenberry. She passed away this week, leaving behind a legacy of achievement in advancing the profession both at the state and national levels.

Miss Fortenberry was recognized nationally for her advocacy efforts and her commitment to CRNA excellence on the NBCRNA board. She was a vital unifying figure within our association, demonstrating unwavering dedication for over 20 years.

Throughout her career, she cared for her patients and supported all of us as we navigated our roles as CRNAs and worked to strengthen our standing within the state. Jackie was deeply committed to our profession, as well as to education and excellence for both practicing CRNAs and students.

She leaves behind a remarkable legacy to uphold the standards of excellence in our field.

During my time with MANA, Jackie was a tremendous leader, advocate, and mentor, both personally and for many CRNAs across our state. We can only aspire to carry on her commitment and the impactful legacy she has left behind.

May she rest in peace.
Sincerely,
Sandy Weathers, President

MANA will be making a donation in her honor to the Batson Hospital for Children. Donations can be made here:
https://cmn.org/hospital/batson-childrens-hospital-at-the-university-of-mississippi-medical-center/

You can view her obituary here:
https://www.saultersmoorefuneralhome.com/obituaries/jackie-fortenberry-2026?fbclid=IwY2xjawT-iXdwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5Xena72XH3p4x22mmdBO5n15uuaoR6BKRRz8yixG8L3ttO4lOQ5TyenC7rlg_aem_20TiUbBAX36-l7vy5ynn1Q

View Jackie Fortenberry's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/25/2026

Now Accepting Presenter Submissions

The Mississippi Association of Nurse Anesthetists (MANA) invites dynamic, knowledgeable, and engaging presenters to submit proposals for the 2027 MANA Annual Conference, taking place January 22 – 24, 2027 in a virtual format.

Each year, MANA brings together CRNAs, SRNAs, educators, policy leaders, and clinical experts from across the state and region to advance excellence in anesthesia practice, professional leadership, and patient care. We welcome proposals that inspire, educate, and equip our members for the future of the profession.

Presentation Focus Areas

MANA seeks sessions that reflect current trends, emerging issues, and innovative practices in nurse anesthesia, including but not limited to:

Clinical Practice & Innovation: Advances in anesthesia techniques, pharmacology, patient safety, technology, and evidence‑based practice.

Professional Development: Leadership, communication, wellness, workforce sustainability, and career advancement.

Education & Training: Simulation, curriculum development, student support, and teaching strategies for CRNAs and SRNAs.

Business & Practice Management: Billing, compliance, entrepreneurship, contracting, and practice ownership.

If you have a topic that falls outside these categories but would benefit MANA members, we encourage you to submit.

For more details and the full Call for Proposal, click here:

Now Accepting Presenter Submissions The Mississippi Association of Nurse Anesthetists (MANA) invites dynamic, knowledgeable, and engaging presenters to submit proposals for the 2027 MANA Annual Conference, taking place January 22 – 24, 2027 in a virtual format. Each year, MANA brings together CRNA...

06/17/2026

Planning is underway for the 2027 MANA Annual Meeting & Conference, and we’re building a member‑driven Conference Planning Committee.

If you’re passionate about advancing our profession, shaping meaningful education, and creating an unforgettable experience for CRNAs and SRNAs across Mississippi, we’d love to have you on the planning committee!

As part of the planning committee, you will:
Share your ideas
Help shape speakers and sessions
Strengthen member engagement
Make a statewide impact

If you’re interested in serving, let us know by sending an email to Jamie Rasberry at [email protected].

05/11/2026

North MS MANA Members - It is not to late to plan to join us tomorrow evening from 5:00 - 7:00 at The Country Club of Oxford for a social! If you are able to attend, please register to let us know. We hope to see you there!

05/06/2026

Voting for the AANA MY27 Board of Directors and Elected Committees begins May 12. Don't miss your chance to have your voice heard! Log in to your AANA account to meet the candidates now: https://hubs.ly/Q03dz79l0

05/06/2026

MANA Social coming to North Mississippi!

First off, we are starting MANA Social across MS in the different regions of the state. Our first will be in North Mississippi.

North MS CRNAs:

MANA is hosting a social that we'd love for you to attend so you can connect with the MANA leadership team and fellow CRNA's. The invitation is included and you can click on the link below to register. Hope you can join us!

04/22/2026

The MANA Board of Directors is pleased to announce our endorsement of Erik Rauch, CRNA, current AANA Region 7 Director, for the position of AANA President‑Elect.

Erik has been a strong advocate for CRNAs across our region, consistently demonstrating leadership, accessibility, and a deep commitment to advancing our profession. Our board believes his experience and steady approach to national issues will serve AANA members well.

Voting will be open May 12-26, mark your calendar to vote!

03/04/2026

Fresh out off the press!

A strong, bipartisan group of Members of Congress have called on the U.S. Department of Education to protect access to nursing education and safeguard the future of our profession.

Their recent letter highlights how proposed changes to nursing student loan programs could unintentionally harm the pipeline of nurses and advanced practice providers—especially in rural and underserved communities like so many across Mississippi.

MANA is grateful for the members of Mississippi’s congressional delegation who added their voices to this effort. Their support underscores the importance of maintaining strong, accessible pathways for the next generation of CRNAs and SRNAs.

Thank you, Senator Roger Wicker, Congressman Michael Guest and Congressman Bennie G. Thompson for your support in this effort.

MANA members - your advocacy makes moments like this possible. When you speak up, share your stories, and stay engaged, it strengthens our ability to protect the profession and the patients we serve.

You can read the full letter here:

Washington, D.C. – Today, Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and Mississippi’s U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, along with U.S. Representatives Jen Kiggans (R-VA-02) and Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-01), led a bipartisan group of over 150 lawmakers in calling for the U.S. Department of Education to not ma...

02/10/2026

Great day at the Mississippi State Capitol advocating for our patients and profession.

We were especially proud to have anesthesia residents from the University of Southern Mississippi join us and experience the legislative process.

Special thanks to Senator Kevin Blackwell, Representative Sam Creekmore and Representative Donnie Scoggin for sharing and supporting our profession and the communities we serve!