[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 52 (Monday, March 26, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E642]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             A TRIBUTE TO MELINDA JAMES-DELROSARIO, RN, BSN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 26, 2007

  Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Brooklyn, 
New York resident Melinda DelRosario. Melinda DelRosario was born in 
Panama City in the Republic of Panama. She attended the Instituto 
Nacional in the Republic of Panama and became the youngest member of 
the senior choir and usher ministry at Rio Abajo Methodist Church. Upon 
migrating to the U.S. Ms. DelRosario attended Eramus High School in 
Brooklyn, New York. In pursuit of a nursing career she earned a BSN 
Degree at St. Joseph College in Brooklyn, New York graduating with Phi 
Beta Kappa honors.
  Upon graduation from St. Joseph College, she assumed various 
administrative positions in home care and hospitals, among them; Kings 
Brook Jewish Medical Center as an Administrative Supervisor/
Administrator on duty.
  Currently, Melinda oversees the Nurse Connection Program with Village 
Care of New York in conjunction with Roche Pharmaceutical Company. Ms. 
DelRosario is an HIV Nurse and consultant. She also instructs doctors 
and nurses in the administration of fuzeon therapy for HIV positive 
patients. In addition, Melinda provides in home instruction to patients 
and counseling to families.
  Besides working as a healthcare provider, Melinda has been a prolific 
community activist and commonly known for her spirit of cooperation and 
punctuality. Twenty-five years ago, she became a member of ``The 
Diggers.'' This is an organization led by Mr. Roman Foster who 
researched historical facts on the building and construction of the 
Panama Canal. This research resulted in the production of a documentary 
which provided narratives and anecdotes with the contributions of West 
Indians and the Caribbean works in Panama during the Canal's 
construction.
  Melinda James-DelRosario was also a member of the Madison Democratic 
Club; the former Secretary of the Panamanian Nurses Association and the 
Caribbean Nurses Association; Travel Coordinator with MIPOPA which is 
an organization group headed by Dr. Carlos E. Russell which advocates 
the rights of Panamanians to vote abroad. She is a member of Panama 
Vote 2004, an organization led by Dr. George Priestly, which raised 
funds to support the candidacy of President Martin Torrijos and 
Probisida, an organization dedicated to providing assistance to HIV 
positive patients.
  Melinda is also a civic minded, community oriented individual who 
embraces the concept of caring and sharing in issues affecting those 
who have been disenfranchised.
  Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize Melinda James-DelRosario for 
her good works and accomplishments in our community.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to 
Melinda James-DelRosario.

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