Lisa Herbinger, associate chair and associate professor in the Department of Nurse Anesthesia at Samford University’s Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing, was recently honored with the 2025 Mary Hanna Memorial Journalism Award. The award recognizes excellence in health care reporting and highlights Herbinger’s contributions to public understanding of medical issues.
Herbinger received the award for her article, “Children and the Opioid Crisis: We Can Make a Difference”, which has been published in the Journal of Perianesthesia Nursing. The article explores the role of pediatric perioperative practitioners in addressing the opioid crisis.
“As a pediatric anesthetist, I commonly administer opioids to children during surgical procedures,” Herbinger said. “But I came across a publication that included sobering statistics and ethical questions related specifically to the opioid crisis and children. It challenged me to examine my own practice and to encourage others to do the same.”
In the article, Herbinger outlines evidence-based strategies for effective pain management that reduce opioid use, such as regional anesthesia and nonopioid medications. She emphasizes the importance of individualized care, ethical responsibility and clinical knowledge in balancing adequate pain relief with reduced exposure to opioids.
“There are perioperative opioid sparing and opioid free strategies for children that provide safe and adequate analgesia, improve outcomes and contribute to the ongoing battle against the opioid crisis,” she said.
The article calls on health care professionals to make a lasting impact, one child at a time, through thoughtful opioid sparing practices.
“Having this manuscript recognized tells me perioperative practitioners, especially those working with children, appreciate the importance of promoting opioid stewardship and best outcomes,” Herbinger said.
Selection criteria for the award included 2024 manuscripts published in the Journal of Perianesthesia Nursing. Honorees were chosen based on journalistic style, originality, clarity of expression, relevance of content to the specialty and overall contribution to the body of published nursing knowledge.
“I know I am called to care for children,” Herbinger said. “The Lord has opened many doors for me to pursue that calling through my clinical practice and now as an educator. I want to lead by example, hopefully to promote the best care possible for our most vulnerable patients.”
Herbinger’s recognition reflects the school’s ongoing commitment to preparing nurse leaders who combine clinical excellence with compassionate, ethical care.