Andrea earned her Bachelor of Science Degree from Gannon University in Erie, Pennsylvania before beginning her public health career in her hometown of Buffalo, New York. Her post graduate professional career began at the Ambulatory Surgery Center of WNY while working towards her Master of Public Health Degree. While in the final stages of her Masters Program, she brought her talents to the State of Florida in December of 2017 and began working for the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) in Hendry and Glades Counties. When joining FDOH, Andrea’s role was the Tobacco Prevention Specialist overseeing Hendry County. Just 6 months into her role, she was promoted into a director position overseeing tobacco and drug prevention, chronic disease prevention, health equity, and minority health. Much of Andrea’s time involved leading community groups/agencies to create local Community Health Assessments and Community Health Improvement Plans for both Hendry and Glades Counties. In 2021, Andrea became the Interim Director overseeing the Ryan White HIV/AIDS program while maintaining her other position’s responsibilities. In 2022, Andrea became the Director of Ryan White, Sexually Transmitted Diseases/Sexually Transmitted Infections Prevention, and Dental Services. Andrea serves as a member of the Executive Leadership Team in Hendry and Glades Counties. Throughout her career, Andrea has learned she has a passion for evaluating the needs of the community and writing competitive grant applications to bring services/ care to underserved populations and rural communities with limited resources.
Andrea Schaffer
Director of Ryan White, STD/STI Prevention, and Dental Services