American Heart Association Council on Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing Liaison Report From the Communications Committee

The American Heart Association (AHA) Council on Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing (CVSN) is dedicated to championing cardiovascular disease and stroke nursing across the lifespan with an emphasis on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. In addition to supporting the science, practice, and education of cardiovascular and stroke nursing, the CVSN is committed to the growth of early career scientists by fostering networking opportunities, hosting career development symposiums, and identifying service opportunities that fit the needs of the early career AHA members. In collaboration with the Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, the CVSN Council will publish a quarterly report to serve as a resource guide for effective communication and interaction with CVSN members and the journal's readership. In this quarter's report, we highlight the 100th anniversary of the AHA, provide an update on leadership of the CVSN, and provide information on applying to become a Fellow of the AHA (FAHA). 100th Anniversary of the American Heart Association The AHA was established on June 10, 1924, when heart disease was viewed as an incurable condition and the most prescribed remedy was simply bed rest. Today, thanks to decades of scientific research and the commitment of millions of volunteers and supporters, we are closer to having a comprehensive understanding of the factors contributing to these health issues and evidence-based treatments. In 1950, the death rate for heart disease exceeded 800 deaths per 100 000 persons. These rates dropped nearly 4-fold to about 200 deaths per 100 000 persons in 2015.1 This remarkable achievement in prolonging human health from the detriments of heart disease has been led and supported by the AHA. The AHA has invested over $5.7 billion in heart and stroke research and is the largest nongovernmental funder in the field. This significant support has assisted thousands of researchers, 15 of whom have earned Nobel Prizes, marking a remarkable achievement in the pursuit of medical advancements. Scientific Sessions, the annual national conference of the AHA, is the premier destination for researchers, clinicians, volunteers, and patient advocates to share their evidence and experience in the relentless fight against heart disease. Scientific Sessions have enabled paradigm-shifting studies, such as the Framingham Heart Study, the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction trials, and the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial, to share their science with thousands in attendance and make a profound impact on patient care across the country. Although much progress has been made, heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, and significant disparities exist across races and genders. The AHA remains at the forefront of addressing broader societal issues such as structural racism and discrimination, and their effect on heart disease. Leadership of the Council on Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing Previous Council on Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing Chair Terrie Black, DNP, MBA, CRRN, FAHA, FAAN, is the immediate past chair of the CVSN. Dr Black is a clinical associate professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst's Elaine Marieb College of Nursing and a nurse reviewer for the Joint Commission. Dr Black's work is focused on improving the quality of care in rehabilitation centers specifically among patients after a stroke. Dr Black received the "Outstanding Leadership" award as she concluded a 2-year term as Chairperson for the CVSN Council. Council on Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing Chair Nancy Pike, PhD, FNP-BC, CPNP-AC/PC, FAHA, FAAN, is the chair of the CVSN Council and the CVSN Leadership Committee. Dr Pike is a professor and Associate Dean for Research at the Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing at the University of California, Irvine. She was recognized as a FAHA in 2005 and has been an active contributor to the AHA and the CVSN since 1997. Dr Pike leads a biobehavioral and neuroimaging research program, supported by the National Institutes of Health, focused on structural brain injuries, cerebral blood flow, and their correlations with cognitive and psychosocial outcomes in adolescents and young adults with complex congenital heart disease. Council on Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing Chair-Elect Lisa Kitko, PhD, RN, FAHA, FAAN, is the chair-elect and will assume the position of chair in July 2025. Dr Kitko is the Dean and Independence Foundation Chair in Nursing Education at the University of Rochester School of Nursing, and Vice President of the University of Rochester Medical Center. She was recognized as a FAHA in 2015 and has been involved with the AHA both locally and nationally for over a decade. Dr Kitko's scientific contributions address the needs of patients with heart failure and their caregivers with funding support from the AHA and the National Institutes of Health. Drs Pike and Kitko oversee CVSN committees1 led by a chair and chair-elect: ▪ CVSN Awards Committee, Harleah Buck (chair-elect: Tamilyn Bakas) ▪ CVSN Clinical Practice Awards Committee, Sue Pugh ▪ CVSN Communications Committee, Windy Alonso (chair-elect: Meghan Reading Turchioe) ▪ CVSN Complex Cardiovascular Patient and Family Care Committee, Julie Bidwell (chair-elect: Megan Streur) ▪ CVSN Development Committee, Carina Katigbak (chair-elect: Muna Hammash) ▪ CVSN Early Career Committee, Billy Caceres (chair-elect: Yamnia Cortes) ▪ CVSN Emerging Career Awards Committee, Salah Al-Zaiti ▪ CVSN International Committee, Anna Stromberg (chair-elect: Lisa Kitko) ▪ CVSN Membership Committee, Leonie Rose Bovino (chair-elect: John Blakeman) ▪ CVSN Mentoring Committee, Carolyn Reilly (chair-elect: Linda Park) ▪ CVSN Mid & Established Career Awards Committee, Joellen Wilbur ▪ CVSN Nominating Committee, Terrie Black ▪ CVSN Pediatric Cardiovascular Nursing Committee, Jennifer Peterson (chair-elect: Amy Lisanti) ▪ CVSN Scientific & Clinical Education Lifelong Learning Committee, Lucinda Graven (chair-elect: Angela Durante) ▪ CVSN State-of-the-Science Stroke Nursing Symposium Program Committee, Brenda Johnson (chair-elect: Mary Rodgers) ▪ CVSN Stroke Nursing Committee, Michelle Camicia (chair-elect: Wendy Dusenbury) Council on Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing members interested in contributing to the CVSN's mission through committee service are invited to complete the Science Volunteer Form within their AHA Professional Profile. Become a Fellow of the American Heart Association Council on Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing Fellow of the AHA, or FAHA, is a prestigious designation that recognizes the scientific and professional achievements, volunteer leadership, and service contributions of its recipients. Recognition as a FAHA is an honor bestowed on highly productive and committed members to signal their commitment to one of the world's foremost organizations for cardiovascular and stroke professionals. To be considered for FAHA, at the time of submission, applicants must meet the following criteria: Membership level: Hold an active Premium Professional or Premium Professional Plus AHA membership. (This level must be maintained to retain FAHA status.) Membership dues: Paid in full Duration of membership: Have been a member of the AHA for at least 2 years. Council affiliation: Be affiliated with a specific AHA Council, through which the FAHA application is submitted. Applications are considered across 4 different tracks (eg, Scientist/Researchers, Academia & Clinician Scientist, Clinicians, and Administration & Public Health) based on role and reviewed for alignment with the AHA Areas of Excellence including scientific dissemination, mentoring, funding, awards, leadership, knowledge, and contributions to the mission of the AHA. Detailed information can be found at professional.heart.org ➔ Members/Councils ➔ Fellow of AHA. We encourage you to apply through CVSN. The Spring due date for FAHA applications is January 10, 2025.