Sep 14, 2022
In this episode, hear from the dynamic Heather Burris, Immunization Division Chief at the District of Columbia Department of Health (DC Health). As the "new kid on the block," Heather shares her learnings and challenges from her freshman year of being an immunization manager. With a clear focus on equity, partnerships, and leading with kindness, Heather discusses how she plans to use the technology and processes gained during COVID for all immunizations.
About Heather:
Heather Burris is the Immunization Division Chief at the District of Columbia Department of Health (DC Health). Heather joined DC Health in 2017 as the Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program Manager, a role she served for three years. Because of her oversight of VFC provider enrollment and vaccine management, Heather was asked to lead the COVID-19 Vaccine Planning and Distribution Team for the Immunization Division. Since the fall of 2021, Heather has led the Division as Chief, overseeing immunization operations, data management, onboarding of a new immunization information system, and surveillance of COVID-19 breakthrough and vaccine-preventable diseases. Before joining DC Health, Heather spent nine years as a Clinical Site Manager at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for the Infectious Disease Clinical Research Program. Her expertise includes vaccine operations, program management, and clinical research administration of infectious diseases. In addition, she is mission-focused on health equity and ensuring vulnerable residents or those hard-to-reach community members have access to immunizations. A champion for Black women, particularly Black girls, Heather also authored Hair Like Me, a children's story about beauty and confidence inspired by her daughter. She is a graduate of Howard University and Emory University. She resides in Washington, DC, with her husband and two children.
Links
WEBSITE: https://dchealth.dc.gov
TWITTER: