Priorities
As first lady, Anita Perry has continued her work in women and children's health care. Mrs. Perry focuses on efforts to increase state immunization rates, raise awareness of breast cancer and Alzheimer's and promote the field of nursing. Mrs. Perry also frequently speaks on the tragedies of family violence and sexual assault, raising awarness and increasing prevention. Mrs. Perry is a strong supporter of historic preservation and participates annually in the Main Street First Lady's Tour.
Family Violence and Sexual Assault
Mrs. Perry uses her experiences as a former trauma and sexual assault nurse to raise awareness about tragedies that affect far too many Texas families and individuals. The First Lady has traveled the state visiting shelters, rape crisis centers and other organizations dedicated to helping the victims of these horrible crimes. Most recently, Mrs. Perry helped launch a self-help protective order kit designed to enable victims to get out of abusive relationships.
Immunizations
One of the most frustrating challenges Anita Perry faced as a nurse was seeing patients with illnesses that were 100% preventable. Mrs. Perry's goal is to create a culture of awareness so that we no longer see unnecessary cases of mumps, pertussis or other preventable illnesses. Mrs. Perry is actively engaged with the March of Dimes' effort to increase education on immunizations, and currently serves as their National Chair for Childhood Immunizations. Perry also works with the Texas Department of Health to increase immunization rates in Texas.
- Texas First Lady Anita Perry Promotes Immunization Education, Urges Continued Diligence in Houston
- Texas First Lady Anita Perry Urges Parents' Diligence Regarding Childhood Immunization
Internet Safety
While technologies like the internet have become a part of our daily lives, opening a world of opportunity to our children, they also open up a world of danger. Mrs. Perry has partnered with the Internet Keep Safe Coalition to teach children the dangers found on the internet and how best to handle them. The Coalition's educational program uses children's books, web materials and public service announcements to emphasize simple tips for children to stay safe online.
Nursing Shortage
Texas, along with the rest of the nation, has faced a critical nursing shortage in recent years. The future of health care depends on us finding and retaining talented, caring and compassionate nurses. Mrs. Perry actively encourages Texans to pursue careers in nursing, often citing her own seventeen year career in health care. Thanks to other awareness efforts across the state, Texas has seen its vacant nursing positions fall from 11% in 2003 to a little over 8% today. Mrs.. Perry continues to promote the nursing profession, helping decrease the critical shortage that still remains in Texas.
Texas Women's Conference
The goal of the Texas Conference for Women is to give women of all generations and backgrounds the tools to successfully navigate their future with confidence. Now in its sixth year, the conference's extraordinary keynote and breakout session speakers share practical insights with women who want to build on the experiences of others to blaze their own unique trail in areas such as finance, health care, leadership, and career development.
Main Street
Each year, the Texas Historical Commission selects up to five cities that are designated Texas Main Street Cities. This program helps communities revitalize their downtown, while maintaining historic preservation. As part of the Texas Main Street Program, the First Lady visits the designated cities and unveils an architectural rendering of the cities first renovation project.
