Chief Wellness Officer and College of Nursing Dean will ascend to chair for 2023-2024 term
The National Forum for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention has elected Bernadette Melnyk, PhD, APRN-CNP, FAANP, FNAP, FAAN, as its new vice-chair of the Board of Directors for the 2022-2023 term.
Melnyk, who serves as vice president for health promotion, university chief wellness officer and College of Nursing dean at The Ohio State University, will use her nationally-renowned expertise in health and wellness, mental health, nursing and evidence-based practice to help guide advocacy that protects cardiovascular health, reduces disparities and achieves health equity. She will become chair of the Board during the 2023-2024 term.
“We are blessed to have Dr. Melnyk’s knowledge, collaborative spirit, enthusiasm and leadership as our new vice-chair,” said John Clymer, executive director of the National Forum. “She offers unique and valuable perspective as both a nurse and a wellness innovator that will further elevate the conversations and advocacy we share to reduce cardiovascular risks and help people live healthier lives.”
“I am honored to serve as part of an awesome leadership team for an influential national organization that works every day to transform health and improve lives,” said Melnyk. “My mom died of a stroke right in front of me when I was 15 years old with an unfilled prescription for blood pressure medication in her purse, so the mission and purpose of the National Forum is very personal for me.
“We know from research that 80% of chronic disease – including heart disease – is totally preventable with some healthy lifestyle behavior changes,” Melnyk continued. “We as a team will continue to work to empower people to take charge of their behaviors and make the changes necessary for them to prevent cardiovascular disease and conquer their adverse health conditions to live longer, better and happier lives.”
The National Forum is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) voluntary health organization that consists of more than 100 public, private and non-profit members. Its mission is to spark and lead collective action to achieve health equity and optimize cardiovascular health and well-being throughout the life span.
