• Deborah J. Gates, NP, of Penn Yan, N.Y. Gates' research project will determine the effect of an exercise and stress management intervention, known as Qigong, on the level of perceived healthiness in rural middle-aged women (ages 45 to 65) who are at risk for diabetes.
• Judith Komatsu, NP-S, of San Francisco. Komatsu will develop a method to integrate and maximize healthcare resources, improve access to healthcare, and aid navigation of health services for the homeless population of in Berkeley, Calif., and Alameda County.
• Sandra L. Leiby, NP, of Hopedale, Mass. Leiby's will implement an interprofessional learning project with University of Massachusetts Medical School nurse practitioner students and medical students to foster collaborative team care.
• Monica R. Ordway, NP, of Southbury, Conn. Ordway's research project will study parenting and child behavior outcomes among young families after they have completed participation in an intensive home-visit intervention. The role of maternal depression will also be examined. This is phase two of a randomized clinical trial.
• Kristen L. Osborn, NP, of Birmingham, Ala. Her award project will develop and implement an educational curriculum and transition plan for adolescents with sickle cell disease who are transitioning to adulthood and adult-oriented medical care.
• Deborah L. Schofield, NP, of Baltimore. Schofield will develop modules to teach nurse practitioners evidence-based practices. These modules will be published on the University of Maryland School of Nursing intranet for local and remote access for continuing education credits.
• Mahedere (Mimi) Solomon, NP, of Oakland, Calif. Solomon will start the One Love Center for Health, which includes a community clinic, an internship program, community and economic development programs, and a health plan for the uninsured based on bartering.
• Rebecca R. West, NP, of Morrison, Ill. West will develop and test an innovative mindfulness skills training intervention, targeting rural workers who are of low socioeconomic status.

"Each community is unique, with its own healthcare issues," said Phyllis Zimmer, president of NPHF, in a statement. "We are thrilled to provide these eight deserving recipients with the opportunity to address their community's healthcare issues with innovative ideas."