YCNF hosts 2026 Nurses Gala

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - The Yuma County Nurses Foundation (YCNF) hosted the 2026 Nurses Gala over the weekend.

According to a press release, the gala, which was in collaboration with Onvida Health and other community partners, took place at the Quechan Casino Resort Saturday from 6 p.m. to midnight.

The event, according to YCNF, kicks off National Nurses Week, taking place from May 6 through May 12, as well as celebrate the nurses of Yuma County.

During the event, there was a dinner, dancing and an awards presentation, where over 60 nominees were recognized across three of the following categories:

• Excellence in Nursing Mentorship
• Excellence in Nursing Leadership
• Clinical Nurse Excellence

In addition, the winners of the three categories are the following:

• Excellence in Nursing Mentorship: Ha'ani Patchen BSN, RN Workforce Development Educator at Onvida Health
• Excellence in Nursing Leadership: Kristin Parra MBA, BSN, RN, CRRN, Chief Executive Officer, Yuma Rehabilitation Hospital
• Clinical Nurse Excellence: Briana D. Smith DNP, FNP-C, Lead Advanced Practice Provider of Specialty Services at Onvida Health

To learn more about the gala, read the press release below.