AANA Foundation to Honor Michael Hunt with 2025 Janice Drake CRNA Humanitarian Award

Rosemont, Ill. — The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) Foundation will present the Janice Drake CRNA Humanitarian Award to Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) Michael Hunt, MBA, CRNA, FNP, during the AANA 2025 Annual Congress, August 9-13, in Nashville.

The Janice Drake CRNA Humanitarian Award is presented to a CRNA, also known as nurse anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist, who volunteers and provides anesthesia, education, and training in areas of need in the United States and overseas. This recognition raises awareness and aims to increase CRNA volunteerism in the United States and in countries that need anesthesia training, education, and research expertise.

Hunt is known for his clinical excellence as a nurse anesthesiologist and his broad practice as a Family Nurse Practitioner, allowing him to provide both perioperative anesthesia and primary care services. His efforts emphasize preventative health, patient education, and chronic disease management.

“I am greatly honored to be named the Janice Drake Humanitarian of the Year,” Hunt said. “I consider it my greatest mission as a CRNA to provide anesthesia services to those underserved communities, and I am proud of the outreach my teams have performed in Kenya.”

Since 2015, Hunt has led nearly biannual teams with Kenya Relief, providing anesthesia and surgical care in medically underserved areas. His work includes not only life-saving procedures but also the training of local providers and the development of sustainable healthcare systems, reflecting his enduring commitment to global health equity.

In addition to his humanitarian work, Hunt has served as president of the Idaho Association of Nurse Anesthesiology and currently serves as the Federal Political Director for Idaho, a role he has held for five years.

To learn more about AANA Member Recognition awards, visit https://www.aana.com/membership/recognition/aana-awards/.