KINGSTON, R.I. — April 28, 1999 — Cristiana Delossantos of Providence, who is in the master’s degree program at the University of Rhode Island’s College of Nursing, has been awarded the Robin Gaines Memorial Scholarship. The $1,500 award was presented at the New England Regional Black Nurses 23rd Annual Spring Conference in Randolph, Mass., on April 23. URI Professor of Nursing Norma Jean Schmieding nominated Delossantos for the award. “Cristiana has good clinical experience, strong academic ability, and a commitment to serving disadvantaged people,” says Schmieding. “She has much to offer to the profession of nursing.” “I want to work with disadvantaged people because I know how much support they need to better their situations,” says Delossantos. It is something she knows first-hand. Her parents immigrated to the United States from the Dominican Republic, and never learned to speak English. Delossantos often translated for them, and she remains acutely aware of how difficult it is for people to receive adequate health care when English is their second language. A one-time high school dropout, Delossantos began to turn her life around after earning her general equivalency diploma. She subsequently earned her associate’s and bachelor’s degrees in nursing. Meanwhile, she accumulated impressive clinical experience in nursing. Of particular note is her work in addressing HIV infection and AIDS prevention. Currently, she works full-time at Women and Infants Hospital, where she provides nursing outreach and services on the Providence Family Van, which does health screenings in local neighborhoods. After a stint at The Providence Center, Delossantos grew interested in mental health nursing. “I found the work fascinating,” she says, “and there is so much need.” Delossantos expects to receive her master’s degree in the spring of 2001. Already, she is being recognized for her expertise. Recently, she participated as a panelist on the topic of “barriers to care” at the New England Minority Health Conference in Providence. No matter what her future career, it’s safe to say that where there’s a need, Delossantos will be there to provide support and advocacy for those who need it. For more information: Ann MacDonald, 874-2116