Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States and the second leading cause of death worldwide. The burden of stroke is increasing worldwide because of an increase in the aging population. Each year in the United States, approximately 795 000 people experience a new or recurrent stroke. Approximately 610 000 of these are first attacks; recurrent strokes afflict 185 000 people. Race, ethnicity, and sex influence the risk for stroke. Women have a higher lifetime risk for stroke than men, and there is a high incidence of stroke in Black and Hispanic men and women.1 In low- and middle-income countries, stroke is increasingly affecting people younger than 65 years. Socioeconomic status affects stroke risk and prevention efforts.2 There is a need for interventions managing risk factors-such as hypertension, diabetes, and tobacco use-and a need to reduce stroke risk in minority populations.

The Stroke Nursing Committee is 1 of 14 committees of the Council on Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing (CVSN) and consists of members with expertise in several areas of stroke care including prehospital, emergency department, acute and intensive care, and rehabilitation. The volunteer members of the committee include the chair, vice chair, and immediate past chair. The committee also has liaisons to the Science and Clinical Education Lifelong Learning Committee and the International Stroke Conference Planning Committee. The immediate past chair represents the Stroke Nursing Committee on the Council of Clinical Cardiology's Exercise, Cardiac Rehabilitation and Secondary Prevention Committee. The chair represents the Stroke Nursing Committee on the Stroke Council and the Stroke Statement Oversight Committee. Potential members of the Stroke Nursing Committee are nominated through CVSN's Nominating Committee. Nominations come from committee members, colleagues, and the Science Volunteer form. Members serve a 2-year term with staggering appointments. Terms begin on July 1 and end on June 30. The chair, vice chair, and immediate past chair serve a 1-year term in each position.

The committee is charged with

* playing an active role in all aspects of the prevention, acute management, critical care, and rehabilitation of patients with a stroke;

* shaping the science pertaining to the care of persons at risk for or with a stroke;

* disseminating information about stroke care;

* addressing issues relevant to stroke nursing in patients with cerebrovascular disease and stroke;

* developing scientific statements and other professional education materials;

* developing patient education materials for the lay public and healthcare providers; and

* participating in lobbying efforts for research funding directed toward stroke research.

Stroke Nursing Committee members plan the annual State of the Science Stroke Nursing Symposium, which is held as a preconference to the International Stroke Conference. The State of the Science Stroke Nursing Symposium planning committee reviews and scores abstract submissions, to develop a high-quality nursing symposium. The morning session provides information applicable to all attendees, whereas the afternoon is divided into 3 sessions: acute care, rehabilitation, and stroke prevention. For 2021, these categories are changing to include care across the continuum, acute care, and advanced practice.

The CVSN Stroke Article of the Year is reviewed by members of the Stroke Nursing Committee based on specific criteria. Each year, there are several excellent submissions for consideration. The 2020 winner was Michelle Camicia, PhD, RN, and colleagues, for their article titled "Development of an Instrument to Assess Stroke Caregivers' Readiness for the Transition Home."3

The Stroke Nursing Committee also has a responsibility to share scientific statements with the greater stroke nursing community. This year, 3 statements are in process: (1) Care of the Acute Ischemic Stroke Patient: Pre-hospital and Emergency Department, chaired by Sue Ashcraft; (2) Care of the Acute Ischemic Stroke Patient: Intensive Care Unit and Thrombectomy Care, chaired by Mary Rodgers; and (3) Care of the Acute Ischemic Stroke Patient: Post-intensive Care and Pre-hospital Discharge, chaired by Theresa Green. These statements will update the 2009 Comprehensive Overview of Nursing and Interdisciplinary Care of the Acute Ischemic Stroke Patient authored by Summers and colleagues.4

The Stroke Nursing Committee is looking for scientists and clinicians, especially early-career members, to serve on this committee. If you have an interest in stroke care, please submit your name through the Science Volunteer form or contact one of the members of the committee. If you have not yet been involved in the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, this committee is an excellent starting point.

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