Lani Blanco Receives New York State Assembly Distinguished Achievement Award in Healthcare

Photo credit: Anthony Lewis, Sharpshooter Media

Lani E. Blanco, PhD, RN, clinical assistant professor at the Stony Brook School of Nursing, received the New York State Assembly Distinguished Achievement Award in Healthcare at the inaugural Filipino American History Month (FAHM) Little Manila Parade and Block Party in Woodside, Queens, on October 18.

Presented by Assemblymember Steven Raga, the award recognizes Dr. Blanco's outstanding contributions as a nurse educator, clinician, researcher, mentor, and community advocate, as well as her commitment to advancing excellence, equity, and compassion in healthcare.

The recognition was especially meaningful to Dr. Blanco because it was presented in Woodside's Little Manila, the vibrant Filipino American community where she was born and raised. Little Manila is home to one of the largest Filipino communities in the northeastern United States and is a cultural and economic center for generations of Filipino Americans. 

During her acceptance speech, Dr. Blanco reflected on the sacrifices of her parents, who immigrated from the Philippines and built a new life in Woodside, instilling in her the values of family, education, hard work, service, and giving back.

"This award is a reflection not only of my journey, but of the sacrifices of my parents, the strength of our community, and the opportunities made possible by those who came before us," said Dr. Blanco.

The award was presented during an historic celebration marking Filipino American History Month and commemorating October 18, 1587, the date recognized as the first recorded arrival of Filipinos in what is now the continental United States. More than four centuries later, Filipino Americans continue to make lasting contributions to communities across the country, particularly in healthcare, education, public service, and the arts.

Dr. Blanco has dedicated her career to preparing future nurses while advancing research on cultural competence and implicit racial bias among registered nurses. Her work seeks to improve culturally responsive care and promote health equity for diverse patient populations. The award also recognized her more than 14 years of clinical experience caring for patients and families, including service in the Burn Intensive Care Unit at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center and the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit at the Hospital for Special Surgery.