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Three Burning Questions – Amanda Dennison, NCSD
Meet Amanda Dennison, our Director of Programs and Partnerships. The amazing Amanda was just selected as one of DC's 40 Under 40: Queer Women by the Washington Blade.
The Washington Blade, in partnership with the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs and the Office of Women’s Policies and Initiatives, was proud to present: 40 Queer Women of Washington featuring our Director of Programs and Partnerships, Amanda Dennison.
NCSD is proud to call Amanda one of our own. Read the announcement here and help us recognize Amanda.
1. What do you love most about working in STD prevention?
I love being a part of the effort to change the conversation around STDs. I get to work alongside the most dedicated individuals in public health to change how people think and talk about STDs. We all work tirelessly to end the shame associated with STDs, and provide the best care and resources for our communities.
Amanda Dennison, Director, Programs and Partnerships
2. What do you think are the biggest challenges you face in your work?
Our field is constantly asked to do more without more resources. STD rates are at historic highs and yet our resources and buying power has not increased accordingly. Our members have to make tough decisions in staffing programs and prioritizing activities such as disease investigation, screening and treatment, surveillance, and evaluation. I’m proud to work for an organization on the front lines of advocating for STD prevention programs to change this.
Amanda's BFF, Nora
3. When you’re not working, what’s your favorite thing to do with your free time?
My pup, Nora, keeps me on my toes outside of work. It does not matter whether we have rain, snow, or sunshine, you can find her pulling me along as we explore DC. On the warm days, you can find us on a walk through one of the many parks in DC or on a patio with a good book. We also enjoy our road trips back to Ohio to visit family and friends.
Meet Amanda
Amanda leads the programmatic work at NCSD. Amanda previously worked at the Ohio Department of Health where she managed STD, Hepatitis, and HIV prevention and surveillance programs. There she spearheaded program integration efforts and conducted strategic planning and program evaluation. Prior to her work at the state level, Amanda managed various programs and projects at an FQHC, focusing on the implementation of programs that addressed health equity and social determinants of health. Amanda holds an MPH from George Washington University and a joint BA in Anthropology and BS in Health Sciences from Cleveland State University.