Nursing prof recognized nationally for her work in HIV/AIDS research

The Canadian Association of Nurses in HIV/AIDS Care (CANAC) has awarded their Andrew Johnson Award for Exceptional Contribution to HIV/AIDS Nursing to UCalgary Nursing associate professor Dr. Añiela dela Cruz, RN, PhD.

Only the second person from Alberta to have won this award since it was re-named in 2009 in memory of Johnson, a co-founder and first president of CANAC, dela Cruz engages in an area in HIV research that is not well explored and understood.

“Her research raises questions about family centred care, and the social, political, cultural and biographical contexts that shape the lives of children and youths of parents who are living with HIV and are immigrants or refugees to Canada,” wrote nominators Dr. Vera Caine, RN, PhD, and San Patten.

“Añiela’s research has made important contributions to policies and programs, as she examines Canada’s immigration requirements in relation to HIV testing, particularly for people who come to Canada from African, Black and Caribbean countries."

In her work, she shows the intersection between policies, human rights and how these shape both the experience of stigma and the ability to access care. Her ideas and arguments have always been compelling and important.

CANAC is a national professional nursing organization committed to fostering excellence in HIV/AIDS nursing, promoting the health, rights and dignity of persons affected by HIV/AIDS and to preventing the spread of HIV infection. Annually, the CANAC membership is invited to nominate members to receive an Award of Excellence.