A registered nurse from East Haven who was picked as Mister Connecticut 2025 is using the platform to advocate for registered nurses.

Jean Carlo Salazar thanked Valentino Tailors of New Haven, and Dr. Gary Blick of Stamford on Saturday for supporting his quest for male excellence through nursing.

"And we deserve the attention that we need in order to fix the cracks in the healthcare system that prevent nurses from staying at the bedside, from pursuing a nursing degree and from having the adequate lifestyle they deserve as human beings," Salazar said.

"Nursing is absolutely critical for healthcare everywhere, not only here in the United States but all around the world," Blick said.

"Nursing is near and dear to all of our hearts because who hasn't had a moment when they needed medical care?" said Enzo Valentino, of Valentino Tailors.

Salazar will compete in the Mister USA Pageant 2025 in Los Angeles next month.

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