Remembering Donna Rolin
Donna G. Rolin, PhD, APRN, PMHCNS-BC, PMHNP-BC, a devoted nurse and leader within APNA, passed away on July 7, 2025. We extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues.
Donna was woven deeply into the fabric of APNA. She was a devoted wife, mother, psychiatric nurse, patient advocate, and APNA leader. From her start as a recipient of the prestigious APNA Board of Directors Student Scholarship to serving on the APNA Board of Directors, Donna was a steadfast supporter of psychiatric-mental health nursing, embodying the values of inclusivity, collegiality, and compassion.
Throughout her career, Donna gave generously of her time and expertise as a mentor, educator, clinician, and volunteer. She served as Treasurer on the APNA Board of Directors for five years, as well as on key committees including the Nominating Committee, Executive Director Search Committee, Audit Committee, and JAPNA Editor Search Committee.
Donna was a fierce advocate for the mental health community. Her work championing access to quality mental health care, particularly for underserved communities, had a lasting national impact. For example, she played a significant role in shaping the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and was a leading voice to end the FDA’s Clozapine Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy.
When Donna joined the APNA Board of Directors in 2016 she wrote:
“I am passionate about evidence-based clinical expertise, educating future nurse scientists, and developing a robust psychiatric nursing workforce.”
This passion was evident throughout her APNA service, as she impacted innumerable psychiatric-mental health nurses with her teaching, mentorship, and leadership.
To learn more about Donna and her extraordinary life, please see her obituary.
APNA Memorial Fund
The APNA Memorial Scholarship program is made possible by donations in honor of APNA members who made a lasting impact on psychiatric-mental health nurses and those they serve.
By funding scholarships to the APNA Annual Conference in their honor, the psychiatric-mental health nursing community – and those whose lives have been impacted by PMH nurses – help today’s nurses advance the care and treatment of those with mental health needs.
If you would like to make a donation to the APNA Memorial Fund in honor of Donna Rolin, you can do so here:
