Overview

Belinda Gaston, MPH, is an Associate Director for Public Health. Gaston has 20+ years of expertise in strategic communications, public health partnerships, and technical assistance. She serves as project director for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) HIV Communications and Partnerships as well as the Prevention Research Translation Branch’s communications support projects. She is also senior advisor to CDC’s National Prevention Information Network health education and communications project. Previously, Gaston led the development and implementation of CDC’s childhood immunization campaign, the Business Responds to AIDS program, and the cytomegalovirus (CMV) awareness initiative.

In addition to her work at Westat, Gaston has partnered to form Comms Noire, a community of Black health communications and social marketing professionals dedicated to creating messages that impact society for good. It provides members with a community, access to resources, and opportunities for leadership development.

Education

• MPH, Epidemiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Public Health
• BA, English, Emory University