UNLV has received approval from the federal Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to assign a new program director and business manager for its grant-funded maternal-HIV program, effective immediately.

Dr. David Di John, associate professor of pediatrics and section chief for pediatric infectious diseases in the UNLV School of Medicine, will serve as program director. Pamela Beal, associate dean of clinical affairs with the UNLV School of Medicine, will oversee business operations for the program. The program’s dedicated case manager and community health care worker, hired by the university in October, will continue to assist patients and work with existing external partners to further strengthen the comprehensive network of resources.

The UNLV maternal-HIV program is funded by a HRSA Ryan White Part D grant. The grant covers primary and specialty medical care and treatment for uninsured or underinsured women, infants, children, and youth living with HIV/AIDS. Dr. Di John and program staff will immediately begin taking appointments to see patients and work diligently to ensure ongoing quality of care.

Dr. Di John joined the UNLV School of Medicine in July 2017 and has served as associate professor of pediatrics for the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine since 2014. He brings more than 30 years of experience in research and treatment of pediatric infectious diseases, including clinical care for women, infants, children and youth with HIV/AIDS. He directed a pediatric AIDS clinic in New York, taught clinical pediatrics for 18 years at New York University Medical Center, and served as director of pediatric infectious diseases for Flushing Hospital Medical Center in New York.

“We’re committed to strengthening collaborations with hospitals, organizations and individuals across Southern Nevada to provide personalized care for patients in this underserved population, and I’m pleased to be a part of the effort,” Dr. Di John said. “I look forward to working with our partners to advance the program’s impact and improve the lives of members of our community.”

Beal has more than two decades of experience in clinical and nonclinical program management for various patient populations, including women, infants, and children living with HIV/AIDS. Beal has led regional maternal and child health coalitions, secured and managed more than $14 million in grant funding for community and population-based outreach programs, which includes $4 million in HRSA/Ryan White funding. Throughout her career, she has focused on identifying systemic challenges and improving delivery of health care to assist underserved and high-risk populations.

During the program administrative audit, patients continued to have the ability to consult with a physician and receive other resources and referrals provided by the grant-funded program. Each patient in the program is under the care of a pediatrician or primary care physician.

Patients may contact (702) 499-5827 or (702) 524-5388 or email Pamela.Beal@UNLV.edu.