Brenda Hernandez Email and Phone Number

In this role, I oversee programmatic activities for DSTDP cooperative agreements, ensuring compliance with both state and federal funding requirements. I lead a team of 30 staff focused on the evaluation, training, and supervision of field staff engaged in infectious disease education, contact tracing, and health navigation. By collaborating with internal and external stakeholders—including the Medical Director, Public Health Nurse, and Division Director—I help advance efforts to reduce the morbidity and mortality of infectious diseases. I also contribute to data collection and reporting, particularly related to HIV, by enhancing surveillance systems such as MAVEN, and promoting racial equity in all data-driven publications. I provide expert lectures to professional and public groups on infectious disease epidemiology and disease control.

Managed the Overdose Data to Action (OD2A) grant for the Division of STD Prevention, including overseeing the development and reporting of progress and performance measures. I led a team of 25 field staff in infectious disease education, contact tracing, and health navigation. My work focused on building partnerships with community-based organizations and scaling public health responses through data analysis and evaluation. I also provided technical assistance to state and local agencies and contributed to grant applications, reports, and surveillance efforts. Key achievements included improving data quality assurance and advancing disease surveillance efforts related to HIV, COVID-19, Monkeypox, and STDs.

In this capacity, I directed a team of four field epidemiologists, overseeing multiple case investigations and health assessments related to infectious diseases. I led efforts to educate healthcare providers on STD/HIV epidemiology, CDC testing, and treatment guidelines, and provided technical guidance on CDC's STD/HIV interventions. I coordinated outbreak responses, including the management of COVID-19 contact tracing efforts, and contributed to outbreak investigations.

I collaborated with senior leadership to address emerging public health issues, specifically in STD/HIV prevention and control. I facilitated workshops on partner notification services and epidemiology for healthcare providers and community organizations. Additionally, I contributed to the development of grant proposals for CDC and HRSA funding, analyzed HIV/STD case data, and co-authored surveillance reports.

Managed a caseload of STD/HIV patients, ensuring compliance with CDC clinical guidelines, collecting surveillance data, and conducting contact tracing. I used Motivational Interviewing techniques to re-engage individuals with HIV who were not in care. Additionally, I provided public education on STDs and worked with policymakers to address infectious disease outbreaks.

Managed all incoming denied medical claims.Accurately analyzed various accounts receivables reports, research claim status and eligibility. Provided supervision, training and direction to staff.Identified and resolved billing issues.

Patient Registration CashierCollected payments from hospital departments and insure that all funds and ledgers are balanced, according to departments' procedures.Handled petty cash transactions and nightly bank deposits.Processed patient discharge to insure database integrity and facilitate claims processing.

Maintained current knowledge of and adhere to payer and regulatory guidelines for medical insurance claims processing and reimbursement.Verified patient eligibility benefits and obtain authorization with medical insurance.Assisted with Medicaid application, Hospital Financial Assistance application and collect co-pays for services rendered.Patient RegistrationRegistered patients accurately, efficiently and professionally.Applied financial screening guidelines to insure collectable accounts. Assisted patients in translating from Spanish to English in different departments.Patient Registration CashierCollected payments from hospital departments and insure that all funds and ledgers are balanced, according to departments' procedures.Handled petty cash transactions and nightly bank deposits.Processed patient discharge to insure database integrity and facilitate claims processing.