The Illinois Department of Public Health ( IDPH ) announced its new HIV section chief, Andrea Perez.
Perez will play a crucial role in overseeing the administration of HIV surveillance, prevention and diagnosis, and care under Ryan White Part B for IDPH.
Perez brings with her more than 15 years of experience in health care, HIV and state government. Her most recent position was manager of strategic initiatives at Heartland Health Centers in Chicago.
Prior to her role at Heartland, she served at the Indiana State Department of Health ( ISDH ) for 10 years in the Division of HIV/STD/Viral Hepatitis. While at ISDH, Perez co-authored the Statewide HIV prevention plan and helped to identify and manage the HIV outbreak in Scott County.
Perez will be integral to the successful implementation of the Getting to Zero plan and working with stakeholders, community-based organizations and HIV-impacted people in Illinois.