We celebrated National CRNA Week 2026 from January 18 to January 24, recognizing the expertise and dedication of certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) nationwide. Our department's more than 400 CRNAs observed the week through community service projects, team celebrations, and family events that demonstrated their commitment to care both inside and outside the operating room.
UPMC Presbyterian 
CRNAs at UPMC Presbyterian kicked off the week with UPMC Presbyterian Surgical Services Family Day on January 18, 2026. The event brought together a record-breaking crowd of 450 guests, including CRNAs, anesthesiologists, surgeons, operating room staff, and leadership. Organized by Julia Dixon-Ernst, MSN, CRNA, and Anna Gombar, MS, CRNA, the annual event opened the doors of the operating rooms to families and colleagues, offering a behind-the-scenes look at where lifesaving work happens every day. Julia and Anna produced a video capturing highlights from the day.
The Presbyterian CRNAs also hosted an Anesthesia Machine Pop-Up at the hospital's Starbucks café to educate staff, students, and visitors about the CRNA role and scope of practice. On Thursday, January 22nd, they organized a potluck lunch featuring a hot dog roller, with CRNAs contributing side dishes and desserts. Throughout the week, they continued their tradition of daily gift raffles and sweet treats for the Presbyterian department.
UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh 
CRNAs at UPMC Children's Hospital provided snack baskets of fruit, granola bars, chips, and chocolates throughout the week to parents and families in waiting areas of Same Day Surgery, the pediatric, neonatal, and cardiac intensive care units, and UPMC Children's Hospital North Surgery Center.
On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, CRNAs volunteered at the Neighborhood Resilience Project in the Hill District to pack student weekend lunch backpacks and clean and organize the facility for an upcoming event. The volunteer effort was organized by Kathy Pyros, MSN, CRNA, and Ashley Hileman, DNP, CRNA.
Looking ahead, Salina Torgerson, DNP, CRNA, planned the second annual Valentine's Day breakfast for families staying at Ronald McDonald House, to be prepared and served by CRNAs on Sunday, February 15, from 9:00–11:00 AM. The menu will include waffles with toppings, quiche, bacon, sausage, and fresh fruit.
UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital 
CRNAs at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital held a dinner at the Women's Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh, supporting survivors of domestic violence. The Magee CRNAs provided meat and vegetarian pasta, salad, rolls, cookies, and cupcakes, along with activities and coloring for children. The effort, organized by Serafina Bear, MSN, CRNA, and Donna Koleck, MSN, CRNA, raised over $550 in cash and gift cards and provided diapers, snacks, beverages, and blankets, with the entire effort estimated at over $1,000.
UPMC Shadyside 
CRNAs at UPMC Shadyside planned a donation drive to benefit Family House, a Pittsburgh organization providing affordable and accessible housing for patients seeking medical treatment and their families. Thanks to the generous donations of the Shadyside CRNAs, the drive, coordinated by Tera Lyn Thomas, MSN, CRNA; Melissa Aretz, MSN, CRNA; and Samantha E. Berry, MSN, CRNA, enabled the group to create 250 "grab & go" bags for Family House guests.
UPMC Mercy
The nurse anesthetists at UPMC Mercy celebrated National CRNA Week with a series of events planned by Erica Wiesen, MSN, CRNA, Assistant Clinical CRNA Director, and Kirsten Radaker, MSN, CRNA, Clinical CRNA Director. The week featured daily treats to show appreciation for the Mercy CRNAs, including a yogurt parfait bar, donuts, and hot chocolate bar. On Friday, lunch was provided by the Mercy Anesthesiology Leadership team to celebrate the end of CRNA week and the start of National Physician Anesthesiologists week, which took place from January 25 – 31, 2026. In addition, prizes were raffled off each day to further recognize and celebrate the team. Each CRNA also received personalized M&Ms and thoughtfully selected pens, adding a personal touch to the week’s events. Overall, the celebration highlighted Mercy’s gratitude for the dedication and contributions of their CRNAs.
A Week of Service and Connection
National CRNA Week 2026 showcased the depth of commitment our CRNAs bring to their work and their communities. From volunteer service and support for vulnerable populations to family events that opened the doors of our operating rooms, the week underscored the compassion and dedication that define our CRNA teams. We are grateful for all our CRNAs demonstrate throughout the year in serving patients, families, and the greater Pittsburgh community.