Message From Our President
Jillian Inouye, PhD, RN

Aloha Members of AAPINA,

Aloha means many things in Hawaiian but conveys the value of unconditional love. It has also been used by many to mean both hello and goodbye. In my last newsletter message as President of AAPINA, I send my Aloha to you, encompassing all those definitions!

The last two years have been busy for us all. We had two annual conferences, one in Hawaii (2009) and one in Las Vegas (2008), both wonderful sites, both with much diversity. Thanks to all the volunteers and committee chairs; the conferences were well attended with great evaluations! Next year, North Carolina promises to carry the momentum and spirit forward. Drs. SeonAe Yeo and Jennie De Gagne, as co-chairs, have a hard working committee and promise us a stimulating agenda. Submit your abstracts and prepare to attend in February 2010.

Our President-Elect, Dr. Oisaeng Hong, formally takes office in January, 2010 with many initiatives. The discussion about AAPINA chapters continues. Increasing membership remains a priority. The Board would like to offer more scholarships and initiate and submit more research proposals. I’m sure she has her own priorities and I urge all members to support your board members and the organization. AAPINA has no paid staff; its engine is driven by energy from volunteers. I know there are many of you who have much to offer our organization. Please do not be shy or hesitate to contact us.

Aloha, Happy Holidays, and a Happy 2010!

Mission

The objectives of AAPINA are:

• To identify and support the health care needs of Asian Pacific Islanders (API) in the United States and globally.
• To implement strategies to act on issues, registration and public policies affecting the health of APIs.
• To collaborate with other interdisciplinary health and professional organizations.
• To identify and support professional and nursing concerns of API nurses in the United States and globally through active networking and empowerment.