Chapter Receives Second Consecutive Excellence Award
By Laurie Kennedy-Malone
For the second consecutive year, the North Carolina Triad Chapter of GAPNA was the recipient of the GAPNA Chapter Excellence Award.
The momentum gained from this recognition propelled members of the chapter to again find multiple opportunities to serve our community. In October 2021, chapter members participated in two walks in Guilford and Rockingham Counties benefiting the Alzheimer’s Association, raising more than $1,000.
At our Fall Conference, a charity drive was held for local hospice associations. In December, chapter members collected cozy socks and donated them to a local nursing home.
Our 12th Annual Conference, Facets of Caring for Older Adults: Competent, Connected and Compassionate, was held on November 6, 2021, in Greensboro.
The educational event was also offered to members virtually to hear outstanding, timely presentations on managing patients with long COVID, current pharmacological treatments for older adults, assisting older adults to navigate through Medicare prevention programs, resources for Veteran caregivers, management of major cognitive behavior disorders, and how to enhance your professional presence virtually.
At the conference, Dr. Tomika Williams was awarded the Carroll Spinks Mentorship Award. Dr. Williams was recognized for her unwavering support in working with members to increase their leadership potential.
A significant moment at the conference was the vote to change the name of our chapter to the Carolinas Chapter to reflect a more inclusive name, recognizing that membership of this chapter extends throughout North Carolina and to members in South Carolina.
The name change has been submitted to the GAPNA National Office for consideration.
We begin 2022 hopeful of establishing more connections with our membership with the establishment of a once-a-month virtual Thirsty Thursdays to gather, discuss, network, and celebrate.
The chapter is planning to hold our Annual Conference in April 2022.
Laurie Kennedy-Malone, PhD, GNP-BC, FAANP, FGSA
lauriekm17@gmail.com
The North Carolina Triad Chapter!
