The purpose of FAN is to support the mission of the International Nurses Society on Addictions (IntNSA), the member organization, by providing financial support for proposals that advance the addictions nursing specialty through the funding of projects/proposals in education, research, practice, policy, and leadership.
FAN, as the non-profit fund-raising arm of IntNSA, maintains a strong collaborative relationship that supports the mission of IntNSA and the addiction nursing specialty.

Ways to contribute
Contributions to FAN advance the addictions nursing specialty through the support of multiple initiatives. Donation opportunities include:
- Donating online
- Downloading a donation form
- Silent Auction at the Annual Conference
- Establish a scholarship or research award
Scholarships and grants
The purpose of the research grant is to stimulate research that has a direct or indirect impact on addictions nursing:
- Applications for research grants are due by October, 1st.
Board of Trustees

Matthew Walters
BSN, BA, RN-BC
PRESIDENT
Florida

Donna Walter
RN, BSN, MS, CARN
PRESIDENT-ELECT
Pennsylvania

Anita Zych-Hill
MSRN, CARN
SECRETARY
Columbus Ohio

Vacant
TREASURER
Trustees

Julian “Don” Howe
RN, BSN, RN-BC, CARN, LCDC, FIAAN, FAAETS, FAPA
Texas

Deborah “Debbie” Howe
RN, BSN, RN-BC, CARN
Texas

Shanea Clancy
DNP, RN, CARN-AP
Pennsylvania

Michael Neft
PhD, DNP, MHA, RN, CRNA, FNAP, FAANA, FAAN
Pennsylvania

Kristin “Kris” Waite-Labott
RN, BSN, CARN
Wisconsin
FAN Scholarships
Nancy Altman Memorial Scholarship
Mission Statement
The Nancy Altman Memorial Scholarship Fund was established to provide a scholarship award annually to an IntNSA member from the United States Chapter to attend the annual IntNSA conference. The candidate for the scholarship is a member who would not be able to attend the conference without the assistance of the scholarship.
About Nancy Altman
Nancy Altman was an active member in IntNSA and always made herself available to assist with any needed activities to support the mission of the organization. She was passionate about educating health care professionals about substance use disorders and ensuring individuals who had SUDs were treated with dignity and respect. Nancy was the president of the Foundation for Addiction Nurses (FAN) and was dedicated to fund raising to provide scholarships. Nancy was a long-time member of FAN in various capacities and dedicated to the mission of FAN. On a personal level, Nancy was warm-hearted, generous, kind, and self-less beyond measure. She always thought of others before she thought of herself. Even when not feeling well, Nancy insisted on attending meetings and even conducting them. She made each trustee feel welcomed and important to the organization. Anyone could call Nancy at any time, and she was always available to speak with you – even when she was in the hospital!
Lois Widly Student Scholarship
Lois Widly was a foundational member of International Nurses Society on Addictions and a tireless nurse leader. Lois inspired many within the organization to encourage students toward careers in addictions nursing. She was well known for her enthusiasm for education, and for convincing even the most hesitant members to actively use their talents to support the mission of IntNSA. Lois specialized in the Addiction and Mental Health field. She worked in major hospital settings and had a private practice as an Addiction Interventionist for over 12 years. During her active career, she was a staunch supporter of Addiction Nursing and served as president of the Consolidated Association of Nurses in Substance Abuse International (CANSA). Ms. Widly was involved in the early formation of IntNSA through the collaboration of three separate nursing organizations. Thus, her influence is still felt today. Up to four (4) Lois Widly Scholarships are awarded to nursing students each year. Ideally, two (2) of the scholarships are awarded to undergraduate and two (2) to graduate students.
Cathy Buffington Memorial Scholarship
Cathy Buffington devoted her professional life to the care of those suffering from addictive disease. She was a past president of DANA (Drug and Alcohol Nurses Association) and assisted in the merger of three organizations to form the International Nurses Society on Addictions. A former President of IntNSA remembers “Cathy was very energetic and excited about Addictions Nursing…. Cathy was focused, dedicated, and a visionary as we approached the goal of the merger and gave 100% toward the success of that endeavor. It truly was a pleasure to know her and work with her.” The Cathy Buffington scholarship provides the opportunity for actively employed addictions nurses who could not otherwise be able to attend the annual conference. The Cathy Buffington Memorial Scholarship is awarded to one IntNSA member who is currently employed as an Addictions Nurse and is not eligible for the Lois Widly Scholarship. The Buffington Scholarship winner is a nurse who would be otherwise unable to attend the IntNSA Conference.