University of Miami School of Nursing and Health Studies Dean Nilda Peragallo is Named Ambassador to the Paul G. Rogers Society for Global Health Research

Coral Gables, FL- Nilda Peragallo, Dr.P.H.,R.N.,F.A.A.N., Dean of the University of Miami School of Nursing and Health Studies, has been named an Ambassador to the Paul G. Rogers Society for Global Health Research. One of twenty-seven global health experts recently named to the society, Dr. Peragallo will serve in a program of public outreach and advocacy for global health research in the new initiative sponsored by Research!America, the nation’s largest public education and advocacy alliance.

“I am greatly honored to serve as an ambassador of the Paul G. Rogers Society,” said Dr. Peragallo, who was also recently appointed to the National Advisory Council of the National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities. “By advocating for research that improves public health, the Paul G. Rogers Society will have a positive impact on communities in need—both at home and around the globe.”

One of the nation’s foremost researchers in HIV/AIDS risk reduction and prevention in Latinas, Dean Peragallo is recognized internationally for her leadership in the areas of health disparities, cultural competency, and the recruitment and retention of minorities in nursing. A fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, Dr. Peragallo, is past president of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses, an officer of the National Coalition of Ethnic Minority Nurse Associations, and founding editor of Hispanic Healthcare International. She currently serves on the Executive Committee of the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools.

The Paul G. Rogers Society is named for the former Florida Congressman, a renowned champion for research to improve health and Research!America chair emeritus. The newly-launched society is comprised of scientific leaders representing the full spectrum of medical and public health research. Ambassadors, nominated by an Advisory Council that includes three Nobel Laureates, will serve the public’s interest by increasing awareness of—and making the case for greater U.S. investment in—research to fight diseases that disproportionately affect the world’s poorest nations.

Research!America is the nation’s largest not-for-profit public education and advocacy alliance working to make research to improve health a higher national priority. Founded in 1989, it is supported by more than 500 member organizations, which represent more than 125 million Americans. In July 2006, Research!America received a $1.2 million grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation that will support the work of the Paul G. Rogers Society. For more information, visit www.researchamerica.org.

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Established in 1948 as South Florida’s first collegiate nursing program, the School of Nursing and Health Studies at the University of Miami has a distinguished tradition of preparing nurses to provide compassionate, quality care to local, national and international communities. Nursing students at the undergraduate and graduate levels are educated by renowned scholars and exposed to a broad range of clinical experiences and cutting-edge research. In February 2005, the School expanded its program offerings to include the University of Miami’s Health Science program and changed its name to the School of Nursing and Health Studies. The expanded curriculum includes programs leading toward the BSN, MSN, and PhD degrees as well as the BS in Health Science degree. For more information, visit www.miami.edu/nur.

Media contact:
Barbara Gutierrez
bgutierrez@miami.edu
305-284-5500