Having just returned from Scientific Sessions 2010 in Chicago, I am once again reflecting on the high clinical and scientific expertise of our CVSN members. Attendees were enthusiastic and committed to learning all they could to strengthen their practice and research.

Our Katherine A. Lembright Award Lecture and Martha Hill New Investigator Award Sessions were superb with presentations by experienced and new researchers. The Early Career Development seminar cosponsored by the National Institutes of Nursing Research was filled with wonderful information to guide those launching a professional career in cardiovascular nursing, and I heard that a number of experienced and mid-career attendees also found it useful! The inaugural Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing Clinical Symposium was a huge success thanks to the hard work of Anna Gawlinski and the planning committee. It drew around 300 participants from the greater Chicago area and beyond. The CVSN dinner and awards ceremony drew a record 288 attendees who helped recognize 10 new FAHAs and the research, clinical and publishing accomplishments of CVSN members. A highlight of the dinner was a moving presentation by Katy Coffy, a spokeswoman for the AHA Go Red For Women campaign. Don’t forget to wear red throughout February to highlight this initiative!

The CVSN Council is in a strong position to make a difference for the AHA and for the public and patients it serves. As spring unfolds we will be engaged in the advocacy issues of promoting greater funding for cardiovascular and stroke research, prevention and access to care, as well as policy generation related to the Institute of Medicine’s report on the "Future of Nursing." Your active participation as a member of "You're the Cure" is critical to helping accomplish all of our advocacy goals. Please visit yourethecure.org and join!

This is the time of year when we begin planning for committee and liaison appointments for the next year. I frequently am asked: "How do I get involved in CVN?" In addition to joining "You're the Cure," please go to the CVSN Council webpage (americanheart. org/cvncouncil) and complete a Council Involvement Form or send an e-mail to me (Sbdunba@emory.edu) indicating your interest. On behalf of the Leadership Committee and Council Co-Chair Lynne Braun, PhD, RN, ANP, FAAN, FAHA, I encourage all of our members to be actively involved in the CVSN.

Finally, we are still seeking contributions to help us reach our goal for the 40 for 40 Campaign — we are halfway there! (See Council webpage). I continue to be inspired by your passion, generosity and commitment to improving cardiovascular care and preventing cardiovascular disease through cardiovascular nursing and interdisciplinary activities!