February 23, 2012, Chapel Hill, NC—Nilda (Nena) Peragallo, RN, DrPH, FAAN, has joined the IntraHealth International Board of Directors. Peragallo is dean of the School of Nursing and Health Studies at the University of Miami and is one of the nation’s foremost researchers in HIV/AIDS risk reduction and prevention in Latinos. She is recognized internationally for her leadership in the areas of health disparities, cultural competency, and the recruitment and retention of minorities in nursing.

“We are really thrilled and honored to have Nena join the IntraHealth Board of Directors,” said Pape Gaye, IntraHealth president and CEO. “Her wealth of experience as a nurse, a researcher, a public health leader, and an expert in caring for minority communities and recruiting minorities into the health workforce will be invaluable in leading IntraHealth’s work.”

Peragallo has authored or co-authored many peer-reviewed publications, served as principal investigator in numerous research and training grants, and is one of the most sought-after speakers in her field. She served on the National Advisory Council to the National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities. She is past president of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses and founding editor of Hispanic Healthcare International.

Peragallo is a fellow of the American Academy of Nursing and holds a joint appointment at the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health at the University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine. She has previously held academic positions at the University of Maryland/Baltimore School of Nursing; University of Illinois at Chicago College of Nursing; and University of Central Florida Department of Nursing. She received her doctor of public health from University of Texas, Houston; her master of science in nursing at University of West Virginia; and her bachelor of science in nursing at the University of Chile.

To learn more about Dr. Peragallo, read:

• How Can We Do Better by American Patients and Health Workers?, a blog by Nilda Peragallo

• How HIV Changed Her Career: An Interview with Nilda Peragallo

IntraHealth International is a global health nonprofit that champions the critical role of health workers in health and development. For over 30 years, IntraHealth has empowered health workers to better serve communities in need, fostering local solutions to health care challenges by improving health worker performance, strengthening health systems, harnessing technology, and leveraging partnerships. The nonprofit’s work is supported and funded by the US Agency for International Development, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, private foundations, corporations and individuals.

Contact: Laura Hoemeke
IntraHealth International
+1 919-360-7799