✨ Join Us This Fall: Chicagoland GAPNA Events, Alzheimer’s Walk & Elections

Hello Chicagoland GAPNA Members!

I hope this message finds you well. I’m Melissa Bernat, your chapter President, and I warmly invite you to join us this fall for a series of meaningful meetings, community engagement, and leadership opportunities as we look ahead to our upcoming elections.

Upcoming Chapter Meetings

August 20 • 6:00–8:30 PM
Location: Forest Park Library, Community Room
Topic: The Silent Thief: Unmasking Osteoporosis
Speakers: Anne Maynard, APN & Diane Ellig, APN
Don’t miss this important session to deepen your knowledge about osteoporosis—its risks, detection, and treatment.

November 20 • Time TBD
Location: Evanston (exact restaurant to be announced)
Topic: Long‑Acting Injectables for Schizophrenia
Speaker: Courtney Leinen, MSN, PMHNP‑BC (Teva)
A forward-thinking discussion on new treatment options in mental health care.

February 12 • Details TBD
Topic: Full practice authority

May 2026-

Annual May dinner typically held at a restaurant. We’re finalizing the topic and speaker. Your survey responses about meeting days and locations will help us tailor this session to your needs.

Alzheimer’s Walk • Sunday, September 21

Busse Woods, Grove 5
This fall marks our third year participating in the Alzheimer’s Walk. We’d love to see strong attendance from our chapter! Register under “CGAPNA & Friends Against ALZ” on the Alzheimer’s Association website and invite family and friends. Together, we can help push toward a cure.

We Want Your Input: Member Survey Coming Soon

Keep an eye out for a short SurveyMonkey survey arriving in your inbox soon. Your feedback on preferred days, times, and locations will help us plan meetings that work best for everyone.

GAPNA National Conference: Las Vegas

September 11–13, 2025
Join us at the national GAPNA conference in Las Vegas! This is a great opportunity for education, networking, and personal growth. We encourage all Chicagoland members to attend—connect with peers nationwide, explore new ideas, and represent our chapter!

Board Elections Coming in January — Apply Now!

We are seeking enthusiastic members to fill two roles:

• Secretary (2‑year term)
• President‑Elect (3‑year term, beginning February)

Why consider serving on the board?

• Expand your professional network within a respected community of geriatric nurses
• Gain leadership experience to enhance your resume
• Increase your involvement in local chapter initiatives
• Receive a small stipend to help with conference registration or membership dues

Both former board members and new faces are encouraged to apply. Your involvement is vital to our chapter’s continued success and impact.

RSVPs & Inquiries

Please direct all meeting RSVPs, survey questions, or interest in elections to ChicagoGAPNA@gmail.com.

I look forward to connecting with you at the August meeting, walking with many of you in September, and seeing you at the national conference and board election preparations as we move into the new year. Thank you for being an essential part of our Chicagoland GAPNA community!