Patient Advocate Foundation Announces Shonta Chambers as Executive Vice President of Health Equity Initiatives and Programs

HAMPTON, Va., Oct. 29, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) is pleased to welcome Shonta Chambers as the Executive Vice President for Health Equity Initiatives and Programs. PAF is a national, non-profit organization that provides financial support and professional case management services to patients who need help with access or affordability issues related to their health care. Chambers brings to PAF more than 17 years of experience in program development and implementation spanning the non-profit, public and private sectors, which includes a ten-year tenure with the Georgia Department of Public Health. In her new position at PAF, Chambers will play a key role in the expansion and development of national and community programs addressing health equities.

"I am delighted to welcome Shonta to our senior management team. Her experience will further strengthen and expand our organization's ongoing efforts to address serious gaps in health equity, particularly around health insurance access and affordability issues," said Alan Balch, CEO of PAF.
 
Chambers added "I look forward to engaging a myriad of partners as we focus our attention on addressing the various social determinants that impact equity in health and healthcare. I am elated to take on this new role alongside PAF's team of individuals passionate about improving the quality of life for persons with chronic illnesses and disabling disease."
 
Most recently, Chambers served as a Deputy Director in the Health Promotion and Disease Prevention (HPDP) Section of the Georgia Department of Public Health. Throughout her career, she has been a leader in developing strategic direction, objectives and operational plans to ensure consistent high-quality research, evaluation and program delivery.
 
Chambers also has a distinguished record as a volunteer. She received the American Heart Association's Volunteer of the Year Award in 2006 and served as Chair of their Diversity Leadership Committee from 2010 to 2012. She currently serves on the board of the National Association of Chronic Disease Directors. Previous board positions include the American Heart Association, the Talladega College National Alumni Association Atlanta Club, and the Directors of Health Promotion and Education.
 
Chambers received her BA in Social Work from Talladega College in Alabama and her Masters in Social Work from the University of Michigan.
 
For more information about Patient Advocate Foundation and their mission to improve healthcare access to all patients, please visit www.patientadvocate.org or call toll free at (800) 532-5274.